PEOPLE wanting the chance to be retained firefighters are invited to an open day to learn more about the opportunity to serve their community.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is looking for new recruits at its Redcar Community Fire Station and will be there between 11am and 7pm on Wednesday, June 3 to speak to anyone wishing to take on the challenge.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton said: “Retained firefighters are a very important part of our fire and rescue service and we are currently seeking new recruits for Redcar Community Fire Station.

“The role of an on-call firefighter provides a fantastic opportunity for people to serve their local community, develop new skills and gain confidence. To some, the flexible working appeals, others have spare time on their hands and want to do something meaningful, whilst for anyone out of work, it provides vital income and improves their job prospects.

“In return, along with remuneration, the Brigade equips firefighters with all of the necessary skills needed for them to undertake the role and they will receive further training throughout their career to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest technology and equipment.

“At the open day people will be able to chat informally to us about exactly what’s involved and expected. They’ll be able to try out some of the equipment they would be expected to use and also talk to existing retained firefighters.”

Retained firefighters are members of the community who are paid to provide an on-call service responding to emergency calls in the same way as whole-time firefighters, using the same appliances and equipment, but who are ‘on-call’ rather than at a fire station.

Applicants must meet a number of criteria, including living/working within five minutes of the Redcar station and being able to respond and report to the station within that time, being at least 18 years old when training commences and having a good all round level of fitness.

Advice and information will also be available to anyone who is interested at the Brigade’s Learning & Development Centre Open Day (next to Grangetown Fire Station) which is being held tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27) between 11am and 3pm.

For further details visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/recruitment/retained/ or email recruitment@clevelandfire.gov.uk or call the Brigade’s Human Resources Team weekdays between 8.30am and 5pm on 01429-874121.