Rye firefighters are currently under strength and seeking up to five more recruits, says Andy Polley, watch manager at the Mill Lane fire station, off Ferry Road. “Our recent advertising campaign has attracted interest, but as yet no firm job applications.”
Polley stressed that this is not a role for volunteers. Becoming a retained firefighter (as opposed to one in full-time Fire Service employment) involves a two-week training course acquiring core skills at the Eastbourne headquarters training centre, followed by a further two weeks learning to use breathing apparatus. Drill nights are held weekly, lasting about two and a half hours, so there is need for a real commitment.
The job can be combined as part-time working with other employment, though alerters must be carried when firefighters are on duty as they have to report to the fire station and be ready to turn out within five minutes of the alert sounding, always travelling within permitted speed limits. Recruits can ride the appliance once their contract is signed.
The Rye team currently includes four crew managers and 10 firefighters, making 15 in all. “There is a full staffing complement of 18 full-time equivalent,” said Polley, “and we are looking for even more, because some of them will only be able to report for duty evenings or weekends.”
The local fire station is the only retained station in the county with two fully-equipped appliances. The nearest back-up is from Hastings, which is 15 minutes away. To become a retained firefighter with the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Team call Polley on 07931 375012 or see more information here.
Photo: Kenneth BIrd