Do you have what it takes to become a Community Defender? Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is about to open its full-time firefighter recruitment window, making this your chance to secure the hottest ticket in town.
HIWFRS is searching for people who can combine a passion to protect and help our communities, with the drive to learn and use lifesaving skills.
One day you’ll be responding to 999 calls and the next you’ll be helping people to understand how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Applications can be submitted from 00:01 on Tuesday (18th January) until 23:59 on Thursday 20th January – just 2 days.
Assistant Director Rob Cole said:
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve seen the real difference our firefighters can make to our local communities.
“Whether that’s using their skills and professionalism to attend fires and other incidents, carrying out home safety visits for the most vulnerable, or stepping up to assist health partners, they’ve shown time and again that they are ready, willing and able. It’s exactly that kind of spirit we’re now looking to attract in our newest recruits.
Article continues below this advertisement “The role of the modern firefighter is challenging, with recruits learning more skills than ever before.
“Putting out fires and cutting people out of cars will always be an important part of the job – but we’re also looking for people who can communicate vital safety messages and form important connections in the communities we serve.”
Over the last few months, those interested in finding out more about becoming a full-time firefighter have been able to join recruitment open events at stations.
During the sessions, they’ve had the chance to try out fitness tests, speak to serving firefighters about what life is like at HIWFRS and learn more about recruitment and the training process. HIWFRS also held one-off fitness events for females as part of an ongoing drive to attract a more diverse selection of applicants.
Rob adds:
“We want to reflect all the diverse communities that we serve and this means reaching out to attract those groups who have been historically under-represented in our organisation.
“We want to make sure that members of all our different communities know what we do, who we are and consider us as a potential employer.
“Our recruitment is open to everyone – and all those who apply go through the same selection processes and must reach the same standards.”
Community defender ? Wtf.
Diversity gets you to the top of the ladder, apparently.
I would like to join, far better then working for a living.
You cant join! I suspect you wont meet the box ticking credentials, It matters not how good you are, it only matters that you are “under represented” insanity rules!