Staffordshire fire service to recruit firefighters for first time in eight years

The service wants to hire 16 new firefighters to bolster its numbers despite having to make cutbacks to save money.

Applications open on Thursday June 1 and close on Sunday June 11.

The successful candidates will then embark on an intensive initial firefighter training course set to take place later this year.

Deputy chief fire officer Rob Barber said: “There is a stereotypical image of a firefighter which we really want to challenge and change.

“We’re really lucky to have a diverse community in Stoke-on- Trent and Staffordshire and we want our service to reflect the communities they serve.

“You don’t have to look a certain way to be a firefighter - as long as you are driven, determined and passionate about doing the best for your community then you’re exactly what we’re looking for.

“There is much more to the role of a firefighter than the common perception of racing to burning buildings or road traffic collisions. We strongly believe that preventing fires and emergencies from happening is far better than responding when things go wrong.

“Today a firefighter’s average working day involves spending more time on community safety and engagement, education, partnership working, and helping businesses recover after a fire, than responding when things have gone wrong."