Fire stations to host on-call firefighter taster sessions

We are currently reaching out to communities surrounding our on-call fire stations to encourage more people to come forward and join their local crew as on-call firefighters.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a firefighter but were unsure about how the role could fit around your day-to-day life, we have the perfect opportunity to find out how on-call works.
Two of our fire stations will be hosting on-call firefighter taster sessions in the coming weeks to give potential recruits a chance to find out more about what the role entails.
Maria Cole started working as an on-call firefighter back in 2018 and since then has gone on to join our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team as a Positive Action Officer while continuing her role as an on-call firefighter.
She said: “The taster sessions will offer potential new recruits an insight into what goes into the role of an on-call firefighter, starting with a presentation about the role where those attending will have the opportunity to speak with the team and ask any questions.
“People will also get to observe a short breathing apparatus drill before taking part in a rural test complete with a ladder climb and leg lock.”
On-call firefighters often have primary jobs and fit their responsibilities as a firefighter around their day-to-day commitments.
Maria added: "Our on-call firefighters come from all sorts of backgrounds and a variety of other jobs, such as a personal trainer, a chef and funeral director for example. If you’ve always wanted to be an on-call firefighter, but were unsure how the role could fit around your day-to-day life, this is the perfect opportunity to find out how it all works."
On-call firefighters are invaluable to the Service as they provide a vital response service to their local community by attending emergency incidents.
The role of an on-call firefighter is exactly the same as that of a full-time firefighter but with one difference – on-call firefighters aren’t based at the fire station all the time, they have an alerter and they only respond when there’s an emergency.
Anyone over the age of 18 who has a driving licence, and lives within a five-minute radius of an on-call station can apply to become an on-call firefighter, and all applicants will go through the same recruitment and training process.
Anyone interested in the on-call firefighter role is invited to attend one of the sessions below.
Hanley Fire and Police Station – Wednesday 6 August, 5pm to 8pm.
Book your place here: Hanley on-call firefighter taster session Tickets, Wed 6 Aug 2025 at 17:00 | Eventbrite
Penkridge Fire and Police Station – Wednesday 13 August, 6pm to 9pm.
Book your place here: Penkridge on-call firefighter taster session Tickets, Wed 13 Aug 2025 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
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