Joining the Fire Service

Men and women from all walks of life are today serving as part-time firefighters. The self-employed, mothers at home, shift workers, the unemployed, trades-people, professionals and many more have all answered the call and are reaping the rewards.

Video - Fire Service Recruitment Documentary

Recruitment procedure

An application form must be completed.
When a vacancy appears, interviews are held and qualified candidates are put on a panel.
From this panel persons are asked to carry out a medical and physical test.
If successful at these tests, a person is then taken on, on probation firstly, to take part in weekly drill night sessions
The persons must successfully pass both the initial recruits and breathing apparatus courses. The person will then attend fires with the remainder of the crew.

The benefits for you

So why should you become a part-time firefighter? Here are some of the many benefits:

You receive the satisfaction of saving life and property.
You become a valued member of your community.
You earn extra income.
You get the chance to show you care.
You get specialised training that will last you a lifetime.
You develop your leadership and teamwork skills.
You get to meet new people and make new friends.
You receive the satisfaction of knowing you're doing something important.
You get the opportunity to protect the environment.
A gratuity scheme applies on retirement subject to qualifying service as per the Department of the Environment guidelines.

Can you become a part-time firefighter?

You reside and work within 1.5 miles or within a reasonable distance of the fire station
you have written evidence from your employer as to availability
You are physically fit
You are prepared to accept discipline and instruction
You are ready to give generously of your time and efforts

What will you receive?

If you are a successful applicant, you will receive specialised training in firefighting skills, first aid and emergency procedures. Training covers use of special equipment, it also involves working as part of a disciplined team.

You will be provided with safety clothes and equipment
You will receive insurance cover while on Clare County Fire and Rescue Service duties
You get paid an annual retainer
You will be paid for two hours weekly training on a particular evening at a local station
You will be paid for call-outs
You will also receive retirement benefits

Employer - Does your company save lives?

As an employer, you would find considerable advantages in having a part-time firefighter on your staff:

You will have an employee who has invaluable firefighting skills, first-aid training and health and safety skills.
Firefighters become very adept at handling emergencies. This quality can be carried through to the work environment.
Part-time firefighters who do officer training develop leadership and management skills that can also be a bonus in the workplace.
Your employee should become more satisfied and motivated at work.
You would earn the respect of your local community. A special accreditation scheme for employers will ensure your contribution will not go unnoticed.
Employees develop good problem solving skills

Firefighters are trained to develop a can do attitude.

A career as a firefighter - Is it really for you?

The position of retained firefighter is very onerous in that a person is available for calls at all times unless he/she has got approval not to attend from his/her station officer. We receive enquiries each year from men and women who want to be firefighters. Our objective is to be fair to all applicants in our recruitment and selection. The following list of questions has been put together to help you decide whether being a firefighter is really for you. It will help you to prepare yourself up for your interview.

Simply circle Yes or No to each of the following questions:

Are you able to meet the demands of working in a disciplined uniformed service? Can you take orders from other people? Can you accept the need to keep to rules that tell you what you can and cannot wear and the standard of appearance you must maintain. Yes / No
Can you get on with people from different backgrounds and cultures? Yes / No
Do you have the emotional strength to deal with a road traffic accident or other instances where there may be severe injuries or loss of life? Yes / No
Can you work as part of a close knit team? Can you work under pressure without letting the rest of your team down? Yes / No
Do you have the sensitivity to deal with members of the public when they are distressed, confused or being obstructive? Yes / No
Can you take the responsibility for representing the Brigade when you are at work and when you are not? Yes / No
Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills? Are you prepared to study on top of your normal working day? Yes / No
You should not suffer from aquaphobia (water), claustrophobia or vertigo. Yes / No
Are you committed to maintaining your health and physical fitness? Is regular exercise a part of your everyday life? Yes / No
Are you prepared to be available for call-outs day and night, evenings, weekends and public holidays? Yes / No
Are you a practical person who likes to work with their hands and with equipment? Do you enjoy making things or finding out how things work? Yes / No
Are you someone who can always be relied on to be somewhere on time? Are you someone that others see as dependable? Yes / No
Are you prepared to work outside in all types of weather, even if you are wet and cold and you don't know when a job might finish? Yes / No
Are you someone who can cope with routine, knowing that you may have to do the same things at the same time on most days, with the frustration of sudden interruptions to your routines? Yes / No
If you answered yes to the above, can you give good examples to back your answers up?

Note:This form is for your use only. Do not send it back to us.

Page last reviewed: 09/05/22

Content managed by: Fire and Building Control Department

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