New move to tackle fire crew shortage (From Stourbridge News)

New move to tackle fire crew shortage

2:20pm Tuesday 22nd January 2008 in Local

PART-time firefighting cover for Kinver is more than a third down, it emerged this week, as a recruitment drive was launched to overcome the shortage.

The maximum number of retained firefighters needed for the village is 15 - but there are currently just nine trained officers.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said there was no risk of the station closing, but the numbers of retained firefighters did need boosting.

The shortage is not unique to Kinver, with a further nine retained officers needed provide full complement at Wombourne, Codsall, Brewood and Penkridge community fire stations.

Retained officers provide emergency response cover either from their home or workplace, which needs to be within five minutes of the local station.

After initial training, the recruits attend weekly drill nights to ensure they maintain their skills. There are also other training opportunities throughout the year.

Steve Pope, area commander for South Staffs said: "It takes a special kind of person to become a retained firefighter. They have to be committed to serving their communities and the wider public of Staffordshire by dedicating some of their own time to attending training, operational incidents and carrying out community safety activities.

"Individuals apply to join our service from all walks of life and from many and varied backgrounds."

Full-time sales director for an electrical company Lee Smart, became a retained firefighter for Kinver five years ago and has worked his way up to crew manager. He will soon take a six month trial as a watch manager.

"Annual personnel reviews of everyone are carried out, so that your performance and abilities can be monitored and any potential can be encouraged and given the best training available.

"The fire service offers an ever changing challenge to learn new things and become part of a close knit team who are trained for all incidents," he said.

A recruitment evening is being held at Kinver Fire Station next Thursday (Jan 31) from 7pm-9pm to give people the chance to meet the team and gain information on the recruitment process.

More information is also available at www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk and recruitment packs can also be obtained by contacting South Staffordshire Area Command on 07185 898055.