Introduction
In most circumstances a Retained Firefighter has another job / career, and provides on call cover for the fire service either from home or in some circumstances from their place of work. Whereas a whole time firefighter works on a full time basis on a station.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service serves a population of approximately 1.5 million in an area of some 1.810 square miles covering the moorlands of West Pennines, the valleys of the Ribble, Wyre and Lune, together with the coastal plains of Fylde and West Lancashire.
There are a variety of fire risks associated with the industries we cover (traditional Lancashire cotton mills through to heavy engineering, chemical plants, oil refineries, shipping, offshore gas installations, dock areas, densely populated commercial), residential areas and the largest holiday resort in Europe.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Has 30 Units Working the Retained Duty System, 17 of which are soley Retained Stations.
A Firefighter Must Be
- 18 years of age on appointment
- physically fit and agile with good stamina
- able to work in hazardous conditions for long periods, including at heights and in confined spaces
- mechanically adept with good dexterity and co-ordination
- trustworthy, honest, dependable and generally of good character (see court convictions)
- self-reliant and self-assured with a keen sense of discipline
- able to contribute to, and work within a team
- able to understand and memorise technical information
- able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Convictions
LFRS is in a position of trust with the public and has a duty to protect them. If you have a record of an offence, this will not necessarily disqualify you as all applications are considered strictly on their merit. However, you are required to declare any offence for which the conviction is not yet ‘spent’ within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are advised to declare any charges that are pending; a subsequent conviction could lead to you being discharged from the Service.
If you fail to disclose information when required to do so, this will render your application void and if you have been employed result in termination of employment without notice.
Further guidance on the Act can be found in the Home Office booklet ‘A Guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974’ issued by HM Stationery Office. If you are in any doubt about your declaration, you can get legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, local Law Centre or Legal Advice Centre in a Solicitor’s Office.
Should you have a conviction or incurred a fixed penalty between the date of the application or appointment you must notify the Service in writing, as this may affect your employment in the Service.