Applications now open for full-time firefighters

We are now accepting applications for full-time firefighters across Staffordshire.

Applications went live today (Monday 28 September) with 16 positions available.

All new recruits will complete an apprenticeship, where development and career progression is supported.

Mike Loader joined Staffordshire Fire and Service two decades ago as a firefighter and has worked his way up to the position of Station Manager at Newcastle and Loggerheads.

Mike was the Incident Commander at a large fire involving a derelict building on Stafford Street, Hanley, in July.

Mike said: "Over the past 20 years, I have worked at many different stations across Staffordshire, from a firefighter to now as a Station Manager.

"Being a Station Manager means I am often the Incident Commander at large incidents, so I am essentially in charge of organising appliances, crews and ensuring the safety of everyone involved."

Six appliances and two aerial ladder platforms (ALPs) went to the scene when Mike was Incident Commander on Stafford Street. Crews worked to extinguish the fire for multiple days.

Mike said: "I could see as soon as I got to that incident that the fire was spreading quickly, so it was crucial that it was brought under control.

"The responsibility of running a large incident like the one on Stafford Street is huge. It's my job to ensure that everyone working there is safe, the public are protected and no local businesses are damaged.

"But when the fire is extinguished and nobody is hurt it's a great feeling, it's really rewarding."

There are many different specialisms available across the service once new recruits are fully competent, such as rope and water rescue, investigations, hazardous materials and learning and development.

Mike continued: "I've had a varied and rewarding career in the fire service and no two days are the same.

"I'm very proud to look back at my career after two decades and still represent the service I started with and the communities I've always worked to protect."

Applications will close on Sunday 11 October.

To find out more about the role, recruitment process and FAQs visit: Firefighter recruitment | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service.