Your chance to become a part-time firefighter

Lincolnshire’s vital team of On Call firefighters help protect lives and property

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue need more firefighters! The majority of our fire stations rely on On Call firefighters who work shifts around other commitments – it’s a flexible role with incredible job satisfaction.

For some people, it’s been their dream since childhood, but for others being a firefighter might only have been something they have considered as an adult wanting to give back to their community.

And On Call firefighters do exactly that – supporting and helping the people who live in their local area in a range of emergency situations.

All firefighters receive the same high level of training – whether they work permanently in those roles or more flexible shifts as On Call firefighters. To apply you must be over 18 and live or work within five minutes travel of a fire station.

The role is exciting, challenging and rewarding. You learn new skills, such as first aid, trauma training and fire safety. Physical fitness is important, and the service is happy to advise prospective applicants so they can achieve the required standards. But teamwork is also crucial, as well as being able to keep calm and manage practical tasks.

Case studies

Name: Roxanne Burkitt
Years as an On Call firefighter: 24
Fire station: Brant Broughton and Lincoln North
Other responsibilities: Caring for seven children, running a campsite and a B&B and looking after horses, sheep, goats, cats and dogs on our farm.
How you became an On Call Firefighter: As a teenager I did my Duke of Edinburgh’s award and completed one aspect weekly at Lincoln South Fire station and enjoyed it. Aged 18, I then applied to train as an On Call firefighter.
Best thing about the role: We see people during challenging times in their lives and I like being able to provide some assistance and reassurance. I also like the challenge of achieving a safe resolution and the challenge of training and learning new skills that also benefit other areas of my life. The flexibility works for me as I have my own business and family commitments and I can fit firefighting around these adequately. It provides me with a nice balance of working for my family and my self and working with and for others.

Roxanne said:

“Every single call-out is different and you learn something new from it. While you have to stay calm and follow your training when you are dealing with an emergency, it does bring some excitement, there’s no doubt about it.

“It’s not a run of the mill kind of job and I’m sure it gives me a little bit of street cred with my kids. But the skills I’ve learned in the service are ones that I can call on at any time and in any situation. I loved the work when I started, and I still love it. It might sound daunting, adding something like this into your life, but it is very achievable, and the support is always there. In fact, I have just recently gained a promotion.”

The recruitment team hold ‘Have a Go’ days throughout the year where you can find out more, ask questions and try out the tests needed, all in a supportive environment.

If you want to find out more, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/LFR