Tough training for flame-tackling retained firefighters
by Chris Halpin
At a time when fire services are making cutbacks, Shropshire Fire & Rescue service says it needs more retained firefighters.
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Dramatic training for trainee 'on-call' firefighters - full report
by Chris HalpinAt a time when fire services are making cutbacks, one of the region's most rural counties says it needs more retained firefighters.
The Shropshire Fire & Rescue service has 23 stations, with all but four staffed entirely by on-call colleagues.
Retained firefighters are ready day and night to be sent to emergencies - but they also have day jobs.
Watch Chris Halpin's full report above.
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What day jobs can retained firefighters do?
Ollie Hayden - riding instructor (Top Left), Dave Pearson - electrician (Top Right), Laurie Bridle - mechanic (Bottom Left), Steve Weston - toolmaker (Bottom Right)
Retained firefighters work shifts for the fire service at the same time as having their day jobs.
They can get paid anything between £5000 and £11,000 per year, depending on how much cover they can work in and around their normal jobs.
They must live and work within five minutes of their base fire station, so they can be kitted up and ready to deal with an emergency call-out 30 minutes after being alerted by pager.
To find out more about becoming a retained firefighter click here.
FBU says retained firefighters are vital for Shropshire
Matt Lamb, the Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Shropshire, says it's important to get the balance of retained firefighters and full-time staff right in a county like Shropshire.
That's because there needs to be crews trained to be on-call as it's such a large, sparsley populated county.
New Shropshire recruits put through intensive fire training
Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service is in the process of training its latest group of trainee retained firefighters.
The service relies on retained members of staff to provide emergency cover across the county.
Retained crews have day jobs which they work a the same time as being on-call to attend emergencies.
There are more than 300 retained firefighters employed by Shropshire Fire & Rescue, who must stay within five minutes of their home station when they're on shift.
Retained firefighters put through final days of training in Shropshire
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has released a video showing voluntary recuits being put through a firefighting training course ahead of today's event.
The 'On The Run' day, which takes place in Telford, will put 10 new recruits through their paces – from practising BA skills on a mock car fire, to feeling their way through a smoke filled house.
Retained fire fighters join fully employed personnel on jobs which require additional support. There are 320 retained firefighters in Shropshire.
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Arson reduction initiative proves successful in Telford
by ITV Central
A scheme by Shropshire Fire and Rescue and Telford Police to tackle arson has seen a reduction in offences.
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