Reeling in new recruits

Bingham Fire Station is on the look-out for potential part-time firefighters as part of its latest recruitment drive.

At present, it has 14 retained firefighters, but is looking to recruit around another five to provide round-the-clock cover.

Retained firefighters receive the same training as their full-time counterparts, but over two years instead of 12 weeks.

The crew manager at Bingham, Mr Bob Finch (51) said they were looking for people who lived or worked in the town because recruits have to respond to an emergency within five minutes of being paged.

Mr Finch, of Meadowsweet Hill, Bingham, said the majority of firefighters at Bingham had part-time jobs elsewhere.

He said recruits must be over 18 and be physically fit. They would have to pass a medical examination and, although no educational qualifications are needed, recruits would have a written entrance test.

There is no upper age limit.

Recruits receive a small annual salary as well as a call-out fee and hourly fee for each incident attended.

They are also expected to attend weekly drill nights at the station on Thursdays, which they would get paid for.

Mr Finch said: “The hours are negotiable but you have to be flexible with your time. It would suit someone who did shift work.”

Mr Finch started working at the station two years ago when he retired as full-time firefighter after 32 years’ service.

“I have always lived in Bingham so it’s nice to give something back. Being a local station everybody knows each other anyway and it’s quite close-knit,” he said.

The station had a £100,000 refit three years ago.

As part of the work showers and changing rooms were installed for female firefighters. The station refurbishment also included four male showers and a revamped training room.

Anyone interested should contact the station.