Fire service launches recruitment campaign

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service’s wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign gets underway today.
The initial stages of the recruitment process will be undertaken online on the service’s website – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk – from 11am. It will stay open until 4pm on Wednesday August 30.
This method of recruitment is designed to make an initial assessment of the potential to work as a firefighter using a range of specifically designed questions examining the qualities and basic knowledge required for the role.
There are now five fire stations in the Warrington area – Warriongton, Birchwood, Stockton Heath, Penketh and Lymm.
Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said: “The organisation is looking to recruit a new cohort of wholetime firefighters.
“Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has transformed in recent years to become one of the best performing and innovative fire and rescue services in the country, acknowledged by many awards and accolades.
“Our mission is a simple one, to be an outstanding service where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies and we are looking for exceptional men and women with a wholehearted commitment and willingness to work hard as part of a team.”
The application process is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be a firefighter.
A number of awareness and taster days have been held across the county to encourage all potential applicants, with the hope that females and people from black and minority ethnic communities might consider a career as a firefighter.
Mr Hancock added: “We are hoping that this programme will result in a broader range of applications which genuinely reflects the make-up of our local communities.
“Responding to incidents and emergencies will always be a key part of a firefighter’s role, but there is also a major emphasis on being able to educate and inform people from all ages and backgrounds on fire prevention, community safety and the wider health and wellbeing agenda.
“Working for a modern fire and rescue service offers an exciting and rewarding career and we want to recruit people with a real commitment to improving the safety of their community.”
The service’s on-call recruitment campaign will continue to run alongside the wholetime recruitment initiative. More information about which fire stations are looking for on-call firefighters is available on the service website.