Staffordshire’s Commissioner Matthew Ellis is supporting a county-wide initiative to increase the number of on-call firefighters in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The #NeedMore on-call firefighter awareness week runs from January 7 to 13, aiming to highlight opportunities available in the fire service.
Staffordshire’s Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime has been visiting the county’s fire stations having taken responsibility for the governance of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service during the summer.
And the need to boost the number of on-call firefighters has been one of the common themes throughout.
Mr Ellis said: ‘I’ve spent the last few months visiting more than 20 fire stations throughout Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to find out about their issues impacting on the service.
‘Following feedback, one of the key objectives must be to increase the number of on-call firefighters which are currently below where they should be.
‘My deputy Sue Arnold will take this work forward with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
‘This is a wonderful opportunity to join the service and make a difference across our area.’
Sue Arnold is the lead for on-call firefighters – the new term for retained firefighters – for the Commissioner’s office.
On-call firefighters provide emergency response cover from either their home or work base, which needs to be within five minutes of their local station. After an initial training course, on-call firefighters attend weekly drill nights to ensure they maintain their skills. As well as responding to emergencies, they are also involved in community fire safety initiatives in their local area, including home fire risk checks and school visits.
Mrs Arnold is keen to give a big “shout” out to those already working as on-call firefighters, while urging new recruits to come on board to help the county.
‘I want to give a “shout” out to our existing on-call firefighters who do a tremendous job supporting our communities throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
‘One minute you could be sitting at home in front of the TV, the next you’re sat on a fire engine heading off on a shout.
‘This is a great chance to do something special for the people of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.’
These dedicated individuals not only provide a valuable service to support their community, but are also paid.
For more information, please contact Kevin McLintock at K.McLintock@staffordshirefire.gov.uk or call 01785 898927. More is also available at www.oncallfire.uk or https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/careers/retained-on-call-firefighters/.
#NeedMore #OnCallFire #YouCanToo
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