Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a major recruitment drive for Retained (part-time) Firefighters in 11 Fire Stations across Southern Area Command.  The 11 Fire Stations now recruiting are- Armagh, Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Carryduff, Donaghadee, Dromore, Keady, Kilkeel, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry and Warrenpoint.

 

NIFRS wants to recruit men and women who live and work within a 5 minute radius of their local Fire Station to become Retained Firefighters.  Retained Firefighters respond to emergency incidents including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist service calls such as chemical spills, collapsed buildings and other types of rescues as well as provide safety advice and assistance in their local community.

 

Brian Gough, Southern Area Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service explains – “Simply put, NIFRS could not operate without our Retained Firefighters as they provide the emergency fire & rescue services to the communities in which they live and work.  Retained Firefighters make up over half the total number of Firefighters in Northern Ireland.  It is an extremely rewarding and interesting job and I would encourage anyone interested in developing a career with NIFRS to apply to become a Retained Firefighter and help protect their own local community.

 

“Retained Firefighters must be able to quickly respond to emergency call outs by making their way to their local Fire Station within 5 minutes, where they will meet the rest of their crew.  Local employers have an equally important role to play in the success of the Retained Firefighter system by allowing their employees to become Retained Firefighters.  Hundreds of local employers across Northern Ireland employ Retained Firefighters, benefiting by having someone on site professionally trained to respond to a range of emergency incidents and who can advise on fire safety in their own business.  NIFRS greatly appreciates the support of local employers in helping provide the best possible fire and rescue service and invites local employers to attend their local Fire Station open night for further information on employing Retained Firefighters. 

 

“Retained Firefighters are trained to the highest standards and throughout their careers attend a weekly drill night (2 hours per week) to receive continuous safety and operational training.  Retained Firefighters are paid an attractive yearly retaining fee plus get drill night attendance and of course emergency call out fees, as well as paid annual holiday leave.  For many people it can be a beneficial additional income.”

 

NIFRS is an equal opportunities employer and looks forward to receiving applications from men and women from all section of the community who are interested in becoming a Retained Firefighter in their area. 

 

Information nights will be held at each Fire Station and application packs are available at the Fire Station and different locations around the local town, check local press for details.  NIFRS website has further details on the recruitment process, log onto www.nifrs.org or you can contact Southern Area Command Headquarters on 02838 332222

 

Closing date for applications is Thursday 25^th September at 3pm.