Page 1 of 2 Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service 15/09/2010 Http

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Page 1 of 2

Archive of previously issued Press Releases Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service Press Release Your chance to become a part time fire fighter - and a full time hero

When painter and decorator Wayne Lee gets the call he has to drop his paintbrush and go.

He could be in the middle of hanging wallpaper, but it makes no difference. When the alarm goes off, there’s no time to waste. It could be a matter of life or death.

Wayne Lee is one of those “ordinary” people doing an “extraordinary” job as one of Gloucestershire’s retained firefighters.

“Many people see fire fighting as a glamorous job but I just wanted to do my bit to help my local community and help keep people safe”, said Wayne, aged 40, from Painswick.

“Whenever I’m doing the day job, I always have to warn my clients that my pager could go off at any time and that I might have to drop everything and go. I suppose it helps being my own boss, but people have always understood and it’s never been a problem”.

Retained firefighters make up more than 80% of Gloucestershire's emergency fire and rescue cover and, like Wayne, they come from all walks of life including builders, factory, shop and office workers, window cleaners and company directors. But, there aren’t enough of them which is why the county’s fire and rescue service is launching a fresh recruitment drive.

“Being a retained firefighter is one of the most worthwhile jobs you can do and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service couldn't operate without their dedication and commitment”, said Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council lead cabinet member for community safety.

“They provide a valuable service to their local community and their selflessness is an example to others”.

Retained Firefighters are currently needed in eight locations around the county: Cinderford, Painswick, Nailsworth, Dursley, Winchcombe, Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wold and Northleach.

“The only requirements for applicants are that they must be aged between 17-65, reasonably fit and healthy and live or work within five minutes of their local fire station”, said Gloucestershire’s Chief Fire Officer Terry Standing.

“Retained fire fighters don’t do shifts at a fire station, but they are expected to be on-call and must be able to respond to emergencies.

“We welcome inquiries from all sections of the community and the successful applicants can earn an average of more than £300 a month."

Anyone wanting further information is invited to come along to recruitment road shows being held at the following fire stations from 7pm on the following dates:

Cinderford – September 9th Painswick – September 10th

http://www.glosfire.gov.uk/sections/news/news_03_09_09_hero.html 15/09/2010 Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Page 2 of 2

Nailsworth - September 14th Dursley - September 16th Winchcombe - September 22nd Chipping Campden - September 24th Stow on the Wold - September 28th Northleach - October 6th

For more information call 01452 753333.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

CONTACT: Issued by Graham Gardner , Gloucestershire County Council's Media Team Tel: 01452 425816

3rd September 2009

http://www.glosfire.gov.uk/sections/news/news_03_09_09_hero.html 15/09/2010