Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is looking for new recruits to help make a difference in Kent by becoming on-call firefighters.  

Being an on-call firefighter is a vital and rewarding role that helps to keep people safe, with crews providing an emergency response in someone’s time of need.  

Successful applicants are provided with training and have flexibility to fit duties around full-time work or other life commitments. 

Vaughan Hawthorne-Nelson is a primary school teacher and an on-call firefighter with KFRS, and says the flexibility was a key part of why he signed up.  

He said: “Being a teacher is obviously a very fulfilling job, but 20 years ago the opportunity came up to be an on-call firefighter, which meant I could help even more people in my community.

“I am on-call in the evenings and at weekends, and each shift varies but every incident we attend gives you a sense of giving back to your neighbourhood.  

“We’re there to support someone who is likely to be going through a really tough time, so to be able to help in any way possible is incredibly rewarding.  

“The children in my class love that I’m a firefighter. I always find a way to bring it into my lessons to get them listening and teach them important fire safety advice.

“My two teenage children have grown up with me having to suddenly head out the door, but I know they’re proud. It’s become less so of a job, more of my identity.” 

KFRS Group Manager James Kirk said: “Being an on-call firefighter is an important role, not just within KFRS but across the whole county.  

“There’s a set number of hours to cover which can be in the daytime, overnight, or at weekends – you work it to suit your lifestyle.  

"As part of KFRS, you’ll enjoy generous annual leave, Blue Light Card discounts, and pension schemes, while your health and wellbeing are supported through a positive work-life balance.  

"So, if you want to gain new skills and experiences and make a difference to where you live by helping people to stay safe and saving lives, apply now.”

The on-call stations currently recruiting are:

• Southborough  
• Paddock Wood  
• Marden
• Tunbridge Wells

Begin your application here.

If your application for any of these stations is successful, you will be invited to join a six-week fitness programme. The course is designed to give applicants insight into the physical elements required to be an on-call firefighter and to help you to evaluate your fitness levels before progressing to the assessment stage.