Shropshire fire service bid to recruit from ethnic minorities
A campaign to recruit more black and minority ethnic firefighters has been launched by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They also want more women to join up, said Natalie Parkinson, an equality and diversity officer at the fire service's headquarters in Shrewsbury.
'Positive action' events to encourage under-represented groups to apply will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Telford Fire Station.
Recruits considering life as an "on call" firefighter should be physically fit and over 18.
Taster days will be held from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Telford Fire Station for anyone on Wednesday, for black and minority ethnic people on Saturday and for women on Sunday.
Visitors can talk to firefighters, tour the station, watch demonstrations of equipment and hear about the recruitment process and career information.
"Being an on-call firefighter means you are helping to keep your community safe. We want men and women to come along to this taster day to find out what is involved," said Natalie.
On-call firefighters must live or work within five minutes of a fire station and are needed to turn out for a set number of hours each week to answer 999 calls and attend weekly drill sessions.
More than 80 per cent of county firefighters are "on call" living near 23 fire stations, many of them rural.
The brigade provides full training, support, promotion opportunities, uniform and conditions of service. A suitable candidate must pass job related physical tests and is ideally community focused and a "team player," added Natalie.
For more information, or to book a place, call Natalie at Shrewsbury fire HQ on (01743) 260200 or visit shropshirefire.gov.uk
