Balancing 9-to-5s and saving lives - on-call firefighters do it all
Our firefighters come from all walks of life. Some work in supermarkets, others as carers, teachers and business owners. But, whatever their background, they all provide the skills and expertise to respond to emergencies across Lincolnshire.
For Gareth Laking, an on-call firefighter at Louth Fire Station, it is no mean feat. A father of two young daughters and a project and events co-ordinator for the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, Gareth manages to balance his full-time job and parenting duties with his role as an on-call firefighter with mastery.
“It’s all about being able to stop what you’re doing at the drop of a hat and going to help someone who is experiencing one of, if not the worst day of their life,” Gareth explains. “When you make the difference and save someone’s life it’s such a rewarding feeling, and it’s something that’ll stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has on-call staff at all 38 fire stations, but there is no one single way to be an on-call firefighter. Crews are made up of hundreds of community-minded people, like Gareth, working flexible shifts around their other responsibilities.
Another to have answered ‘shouts’ is former on-call firefighter and new executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Cllr Alex McGonigle. He said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue does fantastic work across the county and on-call firefighters really are the backbone of this. We need more people to step up and join our crews and become local heroes. It’s exciting, it’s challenging, but most importantly it’s vital in keeping our communities safer.”
If you are interested in joining us on-call, our ‘Have A Go’ days give a great insight into what goes into being a firefighter as well as the fitness and aptitude levels required. No prior experience is needed; through training courses and regular drill nights we will make sure you are prepared to respond to emergencies when needed.
Sign up to a ‘Have A Go’ day and find out more about being an on-call firefighter at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/oncall