A FIRE brigade has launched a recruitment drive to encourage more people to become retained firefighters.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is always keen to sign up more people to the retained duty system (RDS), but at the moment there is a particular shortage in the Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle areas.

Paul Cummings, assistant district manager for Wear and Tees, covering both stations, said: “Recruiting is an ongoing issue, as people leave the area and personal circumstances change.

“Finding firefighters able to provide daytime cover can be especially difficult because most people work during the day.

“RDS firefighters are trained to the same high standards as whole-time staff and they provide vital response cover across County Durham and Darlington.

“Several of our stations are operated only by RDS staff. It is crucial for the community that we have retained firefighters who live close to the station.”

He added: “We hope to attract people from all walks of life, who may not have considered taking up this important role in the past. We would urge them to apply and go through the training.

Anyone hoping to become a retained firefighter must be over 18-years-old, have a good fitness level, live within five minutes of the station, have flexibility with when they can work and be able to attend a weekly drill night.

They will receive an annual fee of between £2,202 and £2,935 depending on being available for 120 hours a week. Additional payments would be made for each call-out and training, as well as a disturbance payment.

Darlington-based firefighter Kurtis Briggs, who is also retained in Barnard Castle, said the variety of the job is what attracted him to it.

“Compared to a lot of jobs there is a lot more excitement and we all take a lot of pride in what we do. There are 101 different aspects to this job, whether it is attending a fire, a road traffic collision or visiting schools and homes.”

Peterlee-based Jonathan Robinson, who is also retained at Bishop Auckland, added: “It is a great way of giving something back to the community and it is really worthwhile. It is not just about attending incidents, we also go into schools and speak to people in their homes about fire safety. It is very rewarding.”

For more details, call Mr Cummings on 01388-602643 or via 0845-3058383. Alternatively email pcummings@ddfire.gov.uk

• Bishop Auckland Community Fire Station is holding an open day on Saturday, May 14, between 10am and 4pm with activities for the whole family.