Women recruits wanted by fire and rescue service

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking for women who live or work close to Ampthill, Sandy or Woburn fire stations to be on-call firefighters, in particular during daytime hours.

The service is holding a series of “Coffee Mornings” to explain what it takes to become a firefighter and join the team.

On the day potential recruits can:

- Look around the fire station

- Look around a fire engine and the equipment it carries

- Meet other female firefighters

- Discuss what it takes to become a firefighter

Station Commander Lorraine Moore said: “Being an on-call firefighter can fit in around your day-to-day routine, you only need to be ‘on call’ at agreed times that are suitable for you.

“You will get to fight different types of fire and attend a variety of incidents and possibly save a life. It is a thoroughly rewarding experience.”

She added: “On-call firefighters come from all walks of life and backgrounds, including shop workers, stay-at-home mums, farmers, secretaries, company directors and people who may not currently be employed, and work alongside their full-time colleagues.

“These ‘coffee mornings’ offer more than a hot drink and a biscuit, they are the perfect opportunity for women to discover more about being an on-call firefighter and discuss the physical tests that would be firefighters need to pass. There will also be firefighters on hand to answer any questions you may have about what the role involves.”

The events are at Sandy Community Fire Station, on Friday, July 10, from 9am to noon; Shefford Community Fire Station, on Sunday, July 19, from 10am to noon; and Ampthill Community Fire Station, on Friday, July 31, from 10am to noon.

Visits at other times can be arranged.

Anyone attending is advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the physical exercises. Fire kit will be provided to wear over their own clothes.

Attendance of at least an hour and a half should be allowed during the published times to get the best out of the experience and to gain a greater understanding of the recruitment process.

For more information visit www.bedsfire.com/CareersandRecruitment