John O'Groats is looking for fire crew
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is currently looking for crew members for the John O'Groats area.
Crew commander for the John O'Groats Community Fire Station, Michael Mowat, said that stations throughout Caithness are looking for new blood to help with routine emergency issues such as house fires and car crashes.
"I’d also say it’s a great way to give back to your community and help keep it safe," he added.
Michael said that anyone interested in becoming a local firefighter is expected to initially go on a two-week training course in Invergordon and then return to do another two weeks training with breathing apparatus. You have to be over 18, physically fit and have a driver's licence.
The crew at John O'Groats currently number nine but Michael says that it would be preferable if there were twelve. "You need to be living around eight minutes from the station. The main thing about getting people for Groats is that we're half-an-hour from each town so we can do standbys for Wick and Thurso." There are fire crews in Dunbeath and Lybster as well.
The SFRS specifications for prospective firefighters states that you must be: 18 years of age or over; eligible to work in the UK; able to reach the station quickly and safely to respond to an emergency call out; have a good level of physical fitness; and meet the required standard of vision and colour perception.
On call firefighters carry a pager and respond to a range of emergency incidents and engage with local communities to promote fire, road and water safety. No previous experience is necessary as full training is provided.
You will:
Receive payment for all operational incidents attended and time spent on training nights, courses and community engagement. Gain new skills and most importantly will make a positive difference supporting the local community. Have access to a wide range of benefits, excellent training and career opportunities and a variety of supportive health and wellbeing provisions.
Anyone interested can click on this link for more information: www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/emergency-services/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service/jobs/call-firefighter-295571
SFRS encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs who share its values of "safety, teamwork, respect and innovation" and who want to make a difference in their local community.
