Become a Retained (On Call) Firefighter |
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| | We have vacancies for Retained Duty Firefighters at the following Stations:
- Alcester
- Atherstone
- Bedworth
- Coleshill
- Bidford
- Brinklow
- Fenny Compton
- Henley in Arden
- Kenilworth
- Shipston on Stour
- Southam
- Studley
- Warwick
- Wellesbourne
We are not currently recruiting for full time firefighters.
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How do I apply to become a retained firefighter?
Firefighters aren’t all muscle-bound, 6ft-tall white males. They’re dedicated men and women from a wide range of social and ethnic backgrounds, with one thing in common – a genuine desire to make adifference to people’s lives. Like their full-time colleagues, Retained Firefighters are trained to deal with a wide range of incidents and situations, but are employed on a need-only basis and live or work within five minutes of their station. The moment their emergency pager sounds the alert, they’re ready for action. It’s a great way of giving something back to your community, and you can earn an additional income too! So, if you are over 18 and are ready for action please get in touch.
You can download the documents you need to apply below:
A Recruitment Information DVD titled “So you want to be a Firefighter?” gives full details of the selection process.
A copy of the DVD can be requested by:
You will need to state your full name and postal address including your post code. Please also ensure that you quote RDS Firefighter Recruitment. A copy will then be sent to the address supplied.
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Serving your Community
Local emergency services form an important part of any community. They are there to protect and help us whenever they are needed, and can get help to us in a very short space of time. Firefighters in particular do a whole range of jobs, varying from attending fires to helping at all sorts of incidents. When an emergency happens, wouldn't you like to be able to help your friends and neighbours in a very real and practical way? You would get paid for doing it, too! If you are interested, read on. |
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The Retained Fire Service
The Retained Fire Service is a group of men and women who are ‘on call’ to respond to a range of emergencies when the bleeper goes. These may be fires, floods, road traffic accidents or chemical spills. Many retained firefighters have other full or part-time jobs, but when the call comes they are ready to drop whatever they are doing and become part of a team, ready to face any emergency. They work alongside full-time firefighters and although they are part time, they are fully trained and capable people, saving lives and making headlines. There is a shortage at the moment of people who are able to turn out and help in an emergency, particularly in rural areas. |
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What does it take to be a firefighter?
Firefighters come in a range of shapes and sizes and although it is a tough job all you need is to be fit and healthy. You need to live or work within a few minutes of a fire station so that you can turn out quickly in an emergency. Because you cannot predict when you will be needed, you have to be flexible and available at short notice. The chances are that you will be at home, working for yourself or working for a community minded employer who can let you off from time to time at short notice. You do not need paper qualifications, just common sense and enthusiasm. You need to be at least 18, with good all round fitness. Some people find it helpful to spend some time exercising to improve their fitness before they apply. When you apply, you will be asked to take straightforward tests to determine your physical fitness and strength. |
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How often will I be needed?
You will be expected to attend drill nights and occasional training courses. On average, you will also be called out two or three times a week for a couple of hours. If you cannot be available all the time, that is not a problem. You can be paid for being ‘on call’ for part of the day or week. If you really cannot be 'on call' for example, because of a holiday or a deadline at work, you can ‘sign off’. |
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What is in it for me?
There is the excitement and satisfaction of a job well done, and the camaraderie, which comes from working together in conditions that can be hazardous. You will get training in the use of specialist equipment and more general skills like first aid. These will be useful to you in all walks of life. You will also learn to be more self reliant and confident. After all, if you can cope in an emergency you are ready for anything else which life might throw at you.
You also get paid of course. There is a basic retainer, a fee for call outs and another for going into action. You get paid for drill nights and duties such as equipment maintenance. |
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Equal opportunities
Fire Brigades are equal opportunities employers. They are committed to the principles of fairness and equality. Applications are welcomed from all men and women who meet the entry requirements. If you are accepted for a job in the Fire Service you will be entitled to, and receive, equal consideration in matters of training and promotion, whether you are a man or a woman and whatever your racial or ethnic background or marital status. |
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 Recruitment
A day in the life of a Retained Firefighter |