Attleborough fire station launches recruitment drive for retained crew

Attleborough Bike Festival Trail sees more than 90 businesses decorate bikes ahead of the Tour of Britain. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Attleborough Fire Station, which relies on its on-call staff, has launched the recruitment drive to replenish its crew, which is currently under capacity.

The station responded to 254 calls last year - about a third were road crashes, with the others made up of house fires, chimney fires, small animal rescues and incidents at nearby HMP Wayland.

Watch manager Mark Wilson has been a retained firefighter for 20 years and works as a critical equipment officer within Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, while others in the crew work in care and at a local furniture company.

Mr Wilson said: 'It's a great role to have - it helps you get involved with community events in the town. In some cases it also benefits your employer as you'll get your larger goods vehicle licence and first aid qualifications.'

The Attleborough crew is often spotted at events, and in the past has raised cash for local causes with fire truck pulls.

Last year, they also took part in a successful bike trail, which saw almost 100 decorated bicycles dotted around the town to welcome the Tour of Britain.

Retained firefighters will be taken on a two-week induction course and a second course on breathing apparatus.

There are no height or weight restrictions to apply, but applicants do need to be aged over 18.

They also need to live, work or spend time within five minutes of the fire station, on Thieves Lane, and be able to attend the weekly drill night on Mondays.

The Attleborough station is looking for day, night and weekend cover.

• To find out more, contact operational support officer Jennie Schamp on 07557200799 or email jennifer.schamp@fire.norfolk.gov.uk

• Do you have an Attleborough story? Email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk