Critical need for more firefighters at Kariong

Fire and Rescue NSW is calling for community-minded men and women to join the retained (on-call) firefighter ranks at Kariong Fire Station.

Six positions are available and information sessions will be held at Kariong Fire Station (opposite the Shell service station) at 10am and 7pm on Saturday, February 22 and Monday, February 24.

Captain Rod Binding said it was an ideal opportunity to contribute to the community, gain new skills and challenge yourself without disrupting or changing your primary employer.

“We rely on people in the Kariong community to put their hand up to become firefighters – without that support, our fire truck can’t respond due to lack of staff,” he said.

Kariong Fire Station attends 650-700 incidents a year.

“On-call firefighters balance work and family commitments to respond to fires and other emergencies on an on-call, part-time basis, meaning you aren’t rostered to be on shift at the station,” Binding said.

“However, being on-call doesn’t mean that you have to be available every minute of every day.

“Sharing availability with the other on-call firefighters at the station can reduce any potential impact on work and private life.

“You can still run your normal daily duties and if a call comes in then head to the station, respond and get paid for your time.”

On call firefighters are paid a fortnightly retainer and hourly rate for any incidents or station duties/activities they attend.

Captain Binding said training included advanced first aid, heavy vehicle driving, how to deal with emergencies such as fires, road accidents and hazardous material spills and, unique to our local area, remote piloted aircraft operations.

“We are also very active in the community with many engagement activities such as home fire safety visits, hydrant inspections and children’s fire education,” he said.

“We are taking applications from people who live or work within the 10km radius of the station – Kariong mainly, but if you live near the West Gosford Shopping Centre or Somersby Industrial Estate you’re welcome to apply.”

For more information on becoming an on-call firefighter, contact the Fire and Rescue NSW Zone Office on 02 43379700 or visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au