Residents across Tyne and Wear now have the opportunity to protect, prevent and respond in their community – after firefighter recruitment opened today.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have re-opened their wholetime firefighter recruitment process.

It is part of a recruitment drive that has already seen the Service recruit more than 100 new firefighters over the last two years.

That was despite the challenges of the pandemic and in fact many of the rookie life-savers helped in the community response to Coronavirus.

TWFRS have confirmed that hundreds more will join in the coming years – changing the face of firefighting in Tyne and Wear.

The Service will be continuing their effort to become more diverse by reaching out to communities through careers fairs, community events and online webinars.

Today their highest ranking officer called on anyone who has the passion to protect Tyne and Wear to consider a career at TWFRS.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther said “Our firefighters go above and beyond every single day to save life and keep vulnerable residents in Tyne and Wear from harm’s way.

“I am so proud of all of our staff and recent incidents in Sunderland and Birtley in the past week show the importance of a highly skilled and trained fire and rescue service.

“This is an opportunity to begin a career that is like no other – everything you do will help contribute to making Tyne and Wear a safer place to live.

“Every day is different and you will have opportunities to meet new people, visit new places and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Regardless of your age, gender, race, religion or sexuality, there is a home for you here at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“We’ll be sharing some of the stories of our current firefighters in the coming weeks but it’s a chance for you to ignite your future. So get on our website and apply to start your journey today.”

New recruits start off with a 12 week training course at TWFRS’s training centre in Washington before being posted to their stations and watches around the region.

Alongside fighting fires and freeing people from trapped cars, TWFRS firefighters interact with the community and provide advice and guidance on how to stay safe and home or at work.

The career offers a competitive starting salary that rises to £32,000 after three years, as well as great benefits like an attractive holiday package, competitive pension, healthcare, access to a range of social and volunteering opportunities and much more.

Applications have opened today and will remain open until March 20th.

Full information about how to apply, and what the training and job will involve, can be found on the TWFRS website at https://www.twfire.gov.uk/work-for-us/our-roles/apply-to-be-a-firefighter/.