Date: 10th November, 2021
Bournemouth Boating Services has received an award from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in recognition of its support to on-call firefighters.
The family-owned business, which is based in Belle Vue Road in Southbourne, has allowed two of its staff to be on-call firefighters at Christchurch fire station for over ten years.
Now they have received an On-Call Employer Award, and this was presented to Alison Vincent by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell during a ceremony at the fire station.
Group Manager Dave Graham, who manages the BCP area, said: “The Vincent family have supported two of their staff members from the start of their employment with the Service. They have always been happy to free up those firefighters, not just to attend incidents as needed, but also to take part in training and be involved in station events.”
He added: “The award is actually from last year, but the presentation was delayed due to the pandemic. We are delighted that we can finally say a huge public ‘thank you’ to everyone at Bournemouth Boating Services, and I would encourage other employers to consider supporting their staff to be on-call firefighters if they have a fire station recruiting nearby.”
He added: “If someone is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, they need to look at our website to see whether there’s an on-call fire station near to where they live or work, then get in touch with us to have a chat about what’s possible. The main things are that people are enthusiastic, want to work as part of a team, and want to be part of their community.”
Working as an on-call firefighter means being involved in a wide range of activities in your local area, including responding to emergency calls, carrying out work in local communities to support their needs and providing prevention advice to help keep people safe. In return, the fire and rescue service offers flexible work to fit around study, other employment and/or family commitments; first class training and development opportunities; additional income; and a chance to make a difference.
Applicants need to:
- Be at least 18 years old when they join (you can apply once you are 17½);
- Live or work near the fire station so they can respond quickly;
- Have a good standard of physical fitness – and the Service can provide advice on what is needed;
- Have the right to work in the UK; and
- Be willing to work as part of a team.
For more information about being an on-call firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters