News

In a bid to encourage men and women from the local area to volunteer as firefighters, the station at Lydd is hosting an open day on Saturday 26th April, where visitors can experience what it is like.

Ron Ireland, Watch Manager for Lydd fire station, said: “We really need people in the local area who can respond to emergencies from home or work. All sorts of people become retained firefighters. No particular qualifications are needed, and there is no need for previous experience but people will need commitment, enthusiasm and an ability to work as part of a team.”

Retained firefighters carry a pager while on duty and, as long as they are able to get to the fire station within five minutes of a call, they can carry on with all their normal day-to-day activities – housework, DIY, watching TV, sleeping or working (if employers agree). They do need to be reasonably fit and healthy and there are some selection tests, but guidance is available.

Ron added: “It is a fantastic job but most people don’t realise they can do it part time. There is nothing like it for job satisfaction.”

Apart from the satisfaction of helping people in their community, retained firefighters are paid a retaining fee (like a salary) and for each incident they attend.

For more information about becoming a retained firefighter either come and meet the team at Lydd on Saturday 26th April between 2pm and 5pm, contact Simon Warner Retained Station Manager, East Division on 01227 825580, logon to the website www.kent.fire-uk.org or drop into Lydd fire station, the High Street, Lydd any Thursday evening at around 7pm.