Lochinver fire crew commander Jorine Van Delft urges local residents to consider becoming an on-call firefighter
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters to help protect Lochinver.
Crew Commander Jorine Van Delft, who is based at Lochinver Station, and protects the communities of north-west and central Sutherland, is appealing for new crew members to join the ranks.
She is urging anyone who works or lives near to the station to consider becoming an on-call firefighter.
On call firefighters often balance responding to emergencies with other work and family commitments and are paid a monthly retainer to be available during agreed hours. They also receive the same standard of training as their full-time colleagues.
CC Van Delft said: “There is no such thing as a typical on-call firefighter, we come from all walks of life, types of employment and backgrounds. We have on-call firefighters across the service from stay-at-home parents to posties, accountants, farmers, and engineers … the list goes on.
“We are seeking applications from people with a variety of life skills and experiences who want to help keep their communities safe from harm.
“Age isn't a barrier either, as long as candidates can pass the national test – which we support during the pre-employment period – then they can progress their application to become an on-call firefighter and help to protect their community.”
SFRS Local Senior Officer for Highland, Area Commander Michael Humphreys, said: “On-call firefighters are exceptional individuals who carry pagers and step up to protect their communities when they are needed most, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment.
“We are calling on others to follow in their footsteps, learn new skills and work as part of a close-knit team to help keep people safe. We are committed to representing the diverse communities we serve so we are encouraging people from all walks of life to apply for this role.”
As well as attending incidents, on-call firefighters can carry out planned community safety activities in their local area including promoting fire safety messages, providing fire safety advice to schools and other organisations, and carrying out free home fire safety visits.
Crew Commander Van Delft can be contacted by calling into the station on weekly drill nights on Wednesdays between 7pm and 9.30pm.
Find out more at https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/retained-volunteer/
