Ready to help at a moment’s notice whenever anyone needs them, on-call firefighters at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) are a vital part of the county’s emergency response, whether responding to fires, road traffic incidents or water rescues.
What’s more remarkable about on-call firefighters is how they easily fit all this in alongside their day job or family responsibilities. The Bedford Independent was invited to Bedford Fire Station to find out more.
Speaking to the on-call crew at the Barkers Lane station, who put on a display to show a typical call from their buzzer going off to closing a response, it’s clear there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the kind of person who can be an on-call firefighter.
“We’re looking for people that can help serve their community by protecting and responding to fire calls. That person may have. a whole day free or they may have a few hours,” said Richard Sampson, an Operational Crew Manager at Bedford On-Call Fire Station.
“They may have another job or they may be a stay-at-home parent, but they have some time on their hands that can allow them to respond to a fire call.”
In the last 365 days, BFRS was called to 19,562 incidents, 109 of which were fires. So, how much does that impact someone’s day-to-day life?
Amy Arnold has been an on-call firefighter for three years. She balances firefighting with being a stay-at-home mum.
“Managing my time can be challenging at times,” she told us.
“One minute I am food shopping or hanging out the washing out, the next I am driving a fire engine on blue lights to a house fire or sat in the back with a breathing apparatus set on my back.
“Last year around Christmas we received an early morning call to a fire which meant I couldn’t take the kids to school and it was my daughter’s Christmas concert that morning.
“My daughter was understandably upset, but I managed to get back in time to catch the last 10 minutes of her performance and her face lit up when she saw me.”
Each of the crew members we spoke to said it’s giving back to their local community and helping local people that makes being an on-call firefighter so special. Amy said, “It’s the best job in the world”.
Jordan, an on-call firefighter stationed at Kempston, combines his firefighting role with a full-time job and being a parent to a one-year-old son.
He added, “My primary employer is very supportive of my role as an on-call firefighter and allows me to respond to fire calls at a moment’s notice.
“The role requires a lot of flexibility, especially when balancing a full-time job and family commitments. Knowing that I am helping others makes it all worthwhile.”
Whereas Kerry, an on-call firefighter based in Potton, balances her duties with work as a personal trainer and receptionist while also raising children, said: “Being an on-call firefighter is challenging, requiring balance between your duties, work, and family.
“However, once you find that balance, the role is incredibly rewarding—helping others, gaining new skills, and discovering strengths you never knew you had.”
Stuart Auger, Head of Response at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, is now asking everyone to consider applying for an on-call firefighter role.
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals who want to make a real difference in their communities. On-call firefighters are crucial to our operational capabilities, and we encourage anyone interested in joining our team to apply.
“We are proud of our on-call firefighters, who are a vital part of our service. They demonstrate incredible dedication and bravery.
“Join us and be part of something that truly matters.”
To become an on-call firefighter, applicants must live or work within six minutes of an on-call fire station or eight minutes for Woburn.
You must also be at least 18 years old, physically fit and hold a full UK driving license. The role offers several benefits, including flexible hours, professional training, ongoing support, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community.
For more information and to apply, please visit Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment page.
