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Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a recruitment campaign for on-call firefighters, with stations in the Newry and South Down area among those looking for new recruits.
The 'Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS' campaign is seeking candidates who live or work within five minutes of their local on-call fire station. Stations currently recruiting include Warrenpoint, Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton, alongside 23 other stations across the north including Armagh, Ballynahinch, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Portaferry and Carryduff.
Information evenings are being held at every recruiting station, giving prospective applicants the chance to learn more about the role and the commitment involved, speak directly to station crews, find out about the physical aspects of the job and the training provided, and understand the application process and their eligibility to apply.
Information Evenings
Crossmaglen - 8pm Wednesday 4 March & 11 March;
Newtownhamilton – 8pm Thursday 5 March & 12 March
Warrenpoint – 8pm Monday 9 March
NIFRS Western Area Commander David Doherty said: "We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community. Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities."
Mr Doherty added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information."
The campaign highlights how on-call firefighters balance their duties alongside existing work and family commitments. Megan Walsh from Crossmaglen combines the role with working in a children's entertainment centre and volunteering in her local community. She said: "My primary employer, a children's entertainment centre, is very supportive of my role as an On-Call Firefighter. They allow me to respond to fire calls with a minute's notice. Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it's very worthwhile."
Oran Swift works as a bricklayer and looks after his young family alongside his on-call duties. He said: "Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day. I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I'm spending time with my family. Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding. I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had. It's so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe."
Candidates can apply online and download application packs from the NIFRS website at www.nifrs.org.
The closing date for applications is Friday 13 March at 12 noon.
