Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is encouraging all parts of its community to consider becoming an on-call firefighter.

Dorchester Fire Station is an on-call station, meaning its firefighters have other jobs and obligations.

March 1 to 7 is the Nation Fire Chief Council's On-Call Recruitment Week and DWFRS is taking the opportunity to debunk some of the myths around what it means to be a firefighter.

Station manager Wayne Jones, the service's on-call development manager, said: "The stereotype of a firefighter is usually of a white man, with superhero fitness and strength, but the reality is that our firefighters come from all walks of life and all parts of the community.

"During this recruitment week, we'll be showing many of our existing on-call firefighters on our social media channels, including one born with a club foot, a working mum, someone with diabetes, someone with dyslexia and a mix of ages."

He added: "If someone is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, they need to look at our website to see whether there's an on-call fire station near to where they live or work, then get in touch with us to have a chat about what's possible.

"The main things are that people are enthusiastic, want to work as part of a team, and want to be part of their community."

Working as an on-call firefighter means being involved in a wide range of activities in your local area, from responding to emergency calls to carrying out work in local communities to support their needs or providing prevention advice to help keep them safe.

In return, the fire and rescue service offers flexible work to fit around study, work and family commitments, training and development opportunities, and a chance to make a difference in your local community.

Working as an on-call firefighter means you become part of a close-knit team, earning extra money and receiving full and ongoing training so you develop a broad range of transferable work and life skills.

Applicants need:

• A strong desire to support the local community
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team
• A reasonable level of fitness
• To live pr work within a reasonable distance from their local fire station

For more information about being an on-call firefighter, visit dwfire.org.uk.

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