Firefighter recruitment drive launches in Northumberland

A recruitment drive for firefighters has been launched in Northumberland ‘for the first time in many years’.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service shared this photo of its crew working at Stanley Burn.Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service shared this photo of its crew working at Stanley Burn.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service shared this photo of its crew working at Stanley Burn.

There are 10 positions up for grabs as Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service is looking to recruit new firefighters who want to make ‘a positive contribution to the residents’ of the county.

Applications for the jobs are open until May 16.

A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council said: “For the first time in many years, Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service is looking to recruit future firefighters who wish to make a positive contribution to the residents of Northumberland.

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“It is a very diverse role, and as such, we need people with skills and qualities, not only to respond to emergencies, but also to work with partners and people in the community to keep our residents safe.

“We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds to provide us with the diverse skills and experiences that will help us to further improve the service that we provide to our residents.”

Northumberland’s chapter of the Fire Brigade’s Union is backing the recruitment drive.

Brigade secretary Guy Tiffin said: “We fully support it, fully embrace the need for increasing the establishment for whole-time firefighters.”

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A successful applicant will complete the following programme:

Situational Judgement Tests: May 22–30; Ability Tests (to be completed online): June 5–13; Role Related Tests: June 28 – July 7; Interview: July 12–25; Occupational Health Medical and Fitness Test: August 2–6; Trainee Course Commences: October 4

There are currently 16 fire stations in Northumberland – Allendale, Alnwick, Amble, Belford, Bellingham, Berwick, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Holy Island, Pegswood, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Rothbury, Seahouses, West Hartford and Wooler – with the Northumberland Fire and Rescue service HQ situated in Cramlington.

The Fire Brigade Union will be updating its memorial service on May 4 in line with Covid-19 restrictions.

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According to the union: “In the tradition of past years and building on the experience of 2020, we are asking for a minute’s silence to be undertaken as a public display of commemoration and solidarity outside of fire stations and other Fire and Rescue Service workplaces, but that this is done whilst maintaining social distancing guidelines.”

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