Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has received a record number of applications through its latest on-call firefighter recruitment campaign.
The campaign has resulted in 219 applications submitted, more than double the 70 to 100 applications the service would typically receive across all six annual on-call firefighter recruitment campaigns combined.
The unprecedented response demonstrates the strength of community spirit across Suffolk and a growing awareness of the valuable role on-call firefighters play in keeping local communities safe.
Particularly encouraging was the level of interest in the North district, which received the highest number of applications in Suffolk. Historically, the North has been one of the most challenging areas in which to recruit on-call firefighters, making the result especially significant.
The campaign followed the Dunwich Heath Major Incident, which attracted national and international media attention and helped to showcase the vital role firefighters play in protecting communities, while raising awareness of the rewarding opportunities available within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
To help strengthen operational resilience across Suffolk, priority is being given to assessing applicants in areas where additional on-call firefighter availability will have the greatest operational impact.
This initial stage will focus on establishing the availability applicants can offer and matching this against operational requirements. Suitable applicants will then be invited to meet Watch Managers at their local station to discuss response arrangements and learn more about the role. Information evenings and aptitude assessments will follow for those wishing to progress further.
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"On-call firefighters are highly valued within the Service, underpinning our operational response and helping to keep communities safe. As trusted members of the towns and villages they serve, they play a crucial role in ensuring we have the availability needed to respond whenever we are called upon.
"Because the role involves balancing fire service duties alongside employment, family life and other commitments, attracting and retaining on-call firefighters has long been a challenge for fire and rescue services across the UK.
"The support of local employers is also vital, with many businesses enabling staff to respond to emergencies when needed and helping to make the on-call system possible.
"That's why this level of interest is so encouraging. Receiving 219 applications from a single campaign is an exceptional result for the Service and demonstrates the strong community spirit that exists across Suffolk, reflected in the unprecedented number of people wanting to support their local communities through the fire service."
Martyn Hazelwood, Recruitment and Retention Manager, added:
"We're delighted with the response to the campaign and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to apply or register their interest.
"Our immediate priority is to assess applicants in areas where additional on-call firefighter availability will have the greatest operational impact.
"We are currently working with applicants to understand the availability they can offer before inviting suitable candidates to meet their local Watch Managers and learn more about the role.
"Given the exceptional volume of applications received, we'd also like to thank applicants for their patience while we work through each application carefully and fairly."
Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, said:
"Receiving this level of interest from a single recruitment campaign is a fantastic result and reflects the high regard in which Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is held by communities across the county.
"Becoming an on-call firefighter is a unique opportunity to serve your community, develop new skills and make a real difference. I would like to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in the role and wish them well as they move through the recruitment process."
The success of the campaign comes as fire and rescue services across the UK continue to explore new ways of attracting and retaining on-call firefighters.
Recently, Recruitment and Retention Manager Martyn Hazelwood and Organisational Change Partner Helen Hope attended a National Fire Chiefs Council event in Cardiff, where fire and rescue services from across the UK shared best practice and explored new approaches to building a more sustainable on-call workforce.
