Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched a new campaign that gives an insight into life in the extraordinary role of an on-call firefighter.

The Find Your Reason campaign is inspired by the amazing people who currently serve their local communities as on-call firefighters alongside their usual employment or family commitments.

The Service has on-call firefighters providing fire cover at 22 stations and 20 of these are staffed solely by them. SFRS attends some 4,000 emergencies every year, from collisions to house fires and water rescues, but there is also a wealth of prevention work done by the Service and those who join as on-call firefighters.

On-call firefighters come from all parts of the community and are paid for their services, trained to exactly the same level as a wholetime (fulltime) firefighter and learn all they need to know about emergency situations as well as additional personal skills.

SFRS is the top performing fire services in the country for availability with 94 per cent performance in 2021. This is largely due to the commitment and dedication of the on-call staff.

The Service has also been undergoing a sustainability project to ensure the on-call system remains updated and fit for purpose for the next ten years.

To apply you simply need to:

• Be aged 18 or over (there is not maximum age)
• Live or work within five minutes of your local on-call fire station (you can find your local station here)
• Be physically fit- or able to develop the necessary fitness (we will support you and give training in this area)

Group Manager Chris White said:

“Our on-call firefighters are a huge asset to the Service and we value all their dedication to helping their communities.

“Shropshire is a varied county with highly populated areas such as Telford to rural locations like Prees, which has its own fire station completely staffed by on-call firefighters. Some of the work they do not only to attend emergencies but to engage and help their community is to be commended.

“Last year they ran several events like Halloween themed open days and a Santa’s Grotto so they could engage with the public while offering safety advice. We have many amazing teams like this and are keen for others to join them. So, if you are interested in joining our fire family please pop into your local fire station, attend a taster day or visit the careers section of our website. We’d love to hear from you.”

To apply to be an on-call firefighter or to find out more information visit https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/on-call.