Firefighter shares her experience ahead of recruitment opportunity opening

Applications to become a full-time firefighter will open next week (Monday 28 September) and one of our newest recruits has shared her experience of the application process.

Ruth Hamilton applied to become a full-time firefighter in 2024 and following the application process and training course, arrived at Sandyford Community Fire Station in June 2025.

She said: “Before I applied, I researched Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and learnt about the organisation’s values.

“I looked into each stage of the application process and thought about real-life examples that I could talk about in my interview which helped me feel more confident and prepared throughout.

As part of the process, applicants will be required to undertake a number of job-related fitness tests (JRFTs), which Ruth says was her “favourite part of the process”.

She said: “The JRFTs gave me a real insight into the practical side of the role and helped me understand some of the challenges firefighters face on the job.

“My biggest piece of advice for anyone going through the application process would be to enjoy it and be honest.

“Make sure you do your research and don’t give up if you’re unsuccessful the first time!

“Being a firefighter is exciting, challenging and a huge learning experience, every day brings something different and my confidence continues to grow through training, incidents and being with the crew day-to-day.”

We are recruiting for 16 full-time firefighters and 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.