Find out more about on-call firefighters at a weekly drill night

If you are considering becoming an on-call firefighter, you are invited to attend a drill night at your local station to find out more about the role.

We are currently recruiting new on-call firefighters at on-call stations across the county including Gnosall, Ipstones and Uttoxeter, and anyone considering the role is invited to meet the crew and watch them train during a drill night.

Sophie Laird has been an on-call firefighter at Gnosall Community Fire Station for around 16-months and says drill nights are essential for training and building relationships.

Sophie said: "When I was going through the application process, I went down to Gnosall station to watch a drill night and it was really useful to see the crew in action and how everything works.

"I was really nervous but I saw how friendly everyone was and it really put me at ease."

Drill night at Gnosall is every Wednesday, between 7pm and 9pm. Crews use this time to work on skills and also practice responding to real-life incidents.

Sophie said: "First we check all of our kit and equipment on the appliance then simulate real-life incidents for the crew to respond to.

"It's brilliant practice for real-life scenarios but it's also great for building relationships with the team, so that we know how each other work when a real job comes in.

"For a few drill nights before my 12-month assessment, the crew simulated what I'd be getting on the assessment so I could practice. It made me feel really prepared for what was going to happen on the day.”

Anyone over the age of 18, who lives or works close to an on-call station can apply to become an on-call firefighter, and all applicants will go through the same recruitment and training process.

Gnosall Community Fire Station is one location currently accepting applications for new on-call firefighters to join the crew and inviting potential applicants to their drill night.

Sophie said: "If you're thinking of applying for on-call, it's definitely worth coming down and having a look, it's a great opportunity to meet the crew and ask any questions you might have!"

To find out when your on-call station holds drill night, and to make your application to join us as an on-call firefighter, visit On-call firefighter recruitment.

Applications close on Friday 10 April.