Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service needs YOU! (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service needs YOU!

4:20pm Thursday 23rd April 2009

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THERE'S more to being a firefighter than you might think.

You have to pass a stringent fitness test but you must also be a good communicator, a team player, and be open to change.

You'll need to be over 17½ to join and come from any background. The people firefighters deal with are as diverse as the situations they tackle so the service needs a workforce that reflects all members of the community.

Taunton firefighter Donna Nelmes, who has a partner and a young daughter, said: “My circumstances have changed dramatically over the years since I joined in 2001, but every time we have been able to find a solution. For example, the shift system means that I can spend more time in the day at home with my daughter.

“I was a personal trainer before I joined the service, and a client was a Somerset Officer. He mentioned the recruitment, and said I should give it a go. I attended the Woman's Awareness Day at Taunton Fire Station, which was really informative.

“Having looked into it, I saw the career prospects and longevity of the job… and the fact that it's really cool!

“When I applied, the questions on the application form seemed really hard, and I can imagine that is where most applicants think 'forget it'!

“I filled them in, and by researching the role, I could see that it not only seemed a challenging and long-term career, but also one that would keep me interested.

“It's incredibly rewarding work, but the challenges are huge.”

If Donna's story has made you think 'That's for me', Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service would love to hear from you

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