Part-timers shortage at fire station Call goes out to double retained list

A WATCH manager from Cookham Fire Station has issued a call for recruits to sign up as retained firefighters. The station in Berries Road, currently has seven retained firefighters, but should have double that, with about 14 or 15.

If numbers aren't increased, the station could suffer staffing and service problems or possible closure in the future.

Retained or part-time firefighters need to live within three minutes or one mile of the fire station and must be able to arrange night and morning cover to fit in with other commitments and work alongside full-time firefighters.

Watch manager Michael Mintz, of Bourne End, said: "We have a big shortage. Retained firefighters make up about 50 per cent of any fire station, so they are vital.

"If more are not found, it could lead to the station closing down. We are understaffed at the moment and need more."

Michael has been working at the station for 10 years and spoke of his enthusiasm for the role.

The 31-year-old said: "Our job is not always about blue lights and sirens, it is about putting something back into the community and working with a great bunch of people.

"The most interesting things I have done are a recent plane crash in Aldermaston and members from our fire station attended the famous Windsor Castle fire."

He added the fire station will soon have two new specialist off-road firefighting

appliances and firefighters from Cookham will also crew a new incident command unit (ICU).

To find out more about working as a retained firefighter and to register, look at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue website at www.rbfrs.co.uk or email recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk or contact 0118 945 2888.