FROME Fire Station were contacted by Frome Festival manager Beverly to see if they could provide assistance in erecting festival flags around the town.
They say they were happy to assist and could incorporate this into their weekly training for ladders.
Watch Commander Jason Collier said, “We appreciate what a speculator event the Frome Festival is, and the vast number of local residents that visit it each year, including the local firefighters. We felt this year had more importance, even with social distancing and other restrictions in place that the local community had a chance to visit and support this event”
Frome Fire Station are also looking for people from the local community to join them as on-call firefighters. No previous experience of firefighting is necessary for this role – the ideal prospective firefighter starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness. Watch Commander Jason Collier said, “We are particularly looking for people that can offer a level of availability during weekdays but we can be flexible and would welcome expressions of interest.”
This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within five minutes response time to the fire station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies. Being on-call means that you provide a level of cover whilst at work or at home and when you are needed your pager will alert you to attend the station. People who can give cover during the day are particularly needed. Many people have primary occupations whilst on-call – either employed or self-employed, the Service has examples of employees in factories, shops, takeaways and restaurants who are on-call firefighters.
You need to be over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength, but sometimes people overestimate the levels required and this can deter them (particularly women) from applying. The Service will give people advice and help in preparing for both the written and practical assessments. Equally living with a disability is not automatically a barrier to operational firefighting; it depends on the nature of the disability. Once you are recruited full training is provided.
Anyone interested can email Jason direct on jcollier@dsfire.gov.uk or are welcome to come to Frome Fire Station, Keyford during drill nights on Thursdays from 7-9pm.
More information about becoming an on-call firefighter is on the website www.dsfire.gov.uk
