Retained Firefighter

Author
Discussion

andrew311

Original Poster:

5,800 posts

177 months

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
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It's that long ago I expressed an interest in these vacancies that I'd forgotten about it. Had a letter through with an application form today. I thought it sounded like an interesting hobby that you get paid for (although I've no idea how much).

I live about 2 mins in the car from the station which I think makes me eligable. I'm a Chemical Engineer by day and my employer are good with letting people who are on call for various emergency services out.

So anyone on here a firefighter or retained? I expect the recruitment proceedure is the same?

ribenavrs

555 posts

196 months

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
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Hi Andrew

Been retained for nearly 17yrs in firstly a rural location and now a city

Go for it, been many a source of laughs, pleasure, pride and a little pain.

Great camaraderie, great training applicable to all areas of life, First Aid, driving with a bit of common sense chucked in

Some politics flying around at the moment but I wouldnt let that put you off

Only downside is actually being oncall alllll the time, however I'm happy at home and love tinkering with things, get out for a beer now and again etc

Fire away with any Q's

Keep it stiff

1,762 posts

173 months

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
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My son wants to apply to be a retained fireman. He is 17 at the moment, the entry minimum age is 18, do you think it's worth his while getting an application in now mindful that it is likely to take some time to get through the selection process?

He is currently a part-time lifeguard and is at college doing his national diploma course in public services. He is a keen sportsman, rugby and judo. Is there anything else he should be doing to make him more worthwhile for consideration?

His ultimate aim is to get into the fire service full time however knowing that vacancies are few and far between he thought that going for a retained position would have the twin benefit of giving him an insight into the demands of the role whilst at the same time giving him a better chance when the right opportunity comes along. Sounds like a good plan to me.

ribenavrs

555 posts

196 months

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
quotequote all
Certainly there is no harm in trying, I would find out when the station he is interested in holds their drill night and tell him to get round there and get his face known

In Lincs there is a central recruitment hotline and a pack is sent out questioning general fitness, location, work schedule and availability etc however all are slightly different

Ring the HQ, should be in Yellow Pages, and ask which drill night and their procedure for applying

In fact there should be a wealth of info on their website if not take a look here Lincs Fire and Rescue

HTH


Keep it stiff

1,762 posts

173 months

Thursday 4th August 2011
quotequote all
ribenavrs said:
Certainly there is no harm in trying, I would find out when the station he is interested in holds their drill night and tell him to get round there and get his face known

In Lincs there is a central recruitment hotline and a pack is sent out questioning general fitness, location, work schedule and availability etc however all are slightly different

Ring the HQ, should be in Yellow Pages, and ask which drill night and their procedure for applying

In fact there should be a wealth of info on their website if not take a look here Lincs Fire and Rescue

HTH
Thanks for that, he is going to a drill night next week.

ribenavrs

555 posts

196 months

Thursday 4th August 2011
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thumbup

Tell him best of luck and keep us posted

More than happy to help if he wants further info

wazztie16

1,471 posts

131 months

Friday 11th July 2014
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Dunno if I should bring up an old thread, but wondered if there's any retained firefighters currently on?

I've recently applied to my local station and been given a date for an examination day, with a view to start training if all goes well, and they need me to train, at the end of September.

Anyone got any stories they can share, their experiences on shouts, how they stay sane on call, as I'll be on call from home (or pub, drinking coke :P).

Best shouts you've been to?

Most heartwarming?