BUDDING firefighters will gain an insight into what life is like in the role of a fireighter after a recruitment campaign launched yesterday. 

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has announced the launch of a new campaign on Monday (July 15) that will see the appointment of a group of new firefighters.

Staff from across the service are taking part in a brand-new campaign, aimed at giving prospective applicants real insight into what it takes to work for a modern fire and rescue service.

A station manager who organises physical training sessions for his colleagues will also be sharing his insight on the role as a firefighter.

Rafer Joseph said: “No two days are ever the same. My role is incredibly diverse and now sees me train, develop and assess colleagues for incident command across Berkshire.

“For me, the benefit of joining the Service was the flexibility which allowed me to keep up my intensive training regime. I was at the peak of my athletics career and the Service supported me completely in this.”

The recruitment open event shows the role of a firefighter is varied and as well as responding to a range of incidents, it includes providing fire safety advice and engaging with local communities.

Beckie Hamilton, Firefighter at Newbury Fire station has worked for RBFRS for 18 years and has also shared her story as part of the campaign. She explains: “One of the most rewarding parts of the role for me is the work we do within the community. We spend time with some of the most vulnerable people in the County. Not only do we provide vital safety information, but residents really benefit from the time we spend talking to them and ensuring that they stay safe.”

To become a full time firefighter, applicants must be 18 years old or over and must live within a 30-mile radius of the centre of Reading.

Visit: rbfrs.co.uk/careers for more information about the application process.