4 June 2008

Firefighters from Stokenchurch will be mingling with the crowds at Saturday's village fete and companion dog show.

It takes place on Stokenchurch Common from 12 noon to 5pm, and includes children's rides, craft stalls and a barbecue.

The firefighters will be displaying one of the station's two fire appliances and providing advice and information on fire safety and road safety. They will also be encouraging local people to consider careers as Retained Duty System firefighters in the village.

Retained Duty System firefighters are paid staff who do the same job as full-time firefighters. Many of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's 214 Retained Duty System firefighters combine this work with their day job.

Like their full-time colleagues, Retained Duty System firefighters are trained and equipped to deal with a wide range of incidents and situations, including protecting the community through fire safety work. The difference is that they are not based in a fire station - instead, they are on standby waiting to be called out. They may be at home, working for themselves or working for a company that allows them to leave work to attend an emergency call.

To be a Retained Duty System firefighter you need to be at least 18 years old, physically fit and live and/or work close to the fire station. Just as important are qualities like common sense, commitment, enthusiasm and the ability to work as a member of a team.

If you would like to find out more about working as an Retained Duty System firefighter in Stokenchurch, or if you are an employer interested in allowing your employees to participate, ring the information pack hotline on 01296 744670 or email rdsrecruitment@bucksfire.gov.uk

Click here to see Stokenchurch Fire Station's home page.