Appeal for on-call firefighters in Tavistock

Tavistock Fire Station is looking for prospective on-call firefighters to join their ranks.

Interested? An open evening will be held at the fire station on Wednesday 13 April, at 7.00pm.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is asking for people in the Tavistock community to be on-call or ‘retained’ firefighters.  No previous experience of firefighting is necessary for this role – the ideal person starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness.

This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within a five minute response time to the fire station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies. 

Being on-call means that you provide a level of cover whilst at work or at home and when you are needed your pager will alert you to attend the station.  People who can give cover during the day and weekends are particularly needed.

Many people have primary occupations whilst on-call - either employed or self-employed, the Service has examples of employees in factories, shops, takeaways and restaurants who are on-call firefighters.

You need to be over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength, but sometimes people overestimate the levels required and this can deter them (particularly women) from applying. 

The Service will give people advice and help in preparing for both the written and practical assessments. Equally living with a disability is not automatically a barrier to operational firefighting; it depends on the nature of the disability.  Once you are recruited full training is provided.

The service is an inclusive employer and are working towards a workforce which reflects the local community, if you're interested go along to Tavistock Fire Station, Abbey Rise, Whitchurch Road, Tavistock, PL19 9FD on Wednesday 13 April, at 7pm and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.