Can you answer fire service’s call to help save lives?
DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue is appealing for potential lifesavers to come forward and join its ranks.
The service, which operates fire stations across the county, is asking people interested in helping to deal with incidents and serve in the community to get in touch.
It comes as it aims to showcase the benefits of being an on-call firefighter, which includes the chance to earn extra money on top of your regular job’s salary.
These roles, which are not full time, could see people responding to emergency incidents such as fires and road collisions, helping people in their local community or offering fire prevention advice to those who need it.
Anyone accepted onto the scheme will receive training followed by flexible work that can fit around family, study and work commitments.
The service says it wants to hear from people who are enthusiastic to work as part of a team, want to help their community and have a good level of fitness and strength in order to undertake firefighting duties.
Applicants must also ensure they are able to reach their fire station within an allocated time frame – usually five minutes during their availability. This can either be from home or work.
Chris Heathcote, watch manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, said it was important to be in a position to help those who need it, now more than ever.
“Being a firefighter is much more than responding to fires, it’s about protecting and supporting your local community,” he said.
“Many have seen this first hand during the coronavirus pandemic, with firefighters providing advice to people staying safe at home, driving ambulances, delivering food, prescriptions and supporting mass testing and vaccination efforts as well as continuing to provide emergency response.
“There will never be a better time to help serve your local community and help save lives.
“Now is the chance to find out if the fire service is something you can be a part of.”