A major recruitment drive is underway to recruit 32 whole time firefighters for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the largest recruitment drive for five years.

After a significant period when whole time firefighter recruitment was frozen because of financial constraints when under the governance of Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is now able to recruit 32 firefighters.

Twenty of these firefighters will be needed over the course of the year to fill posts that become vacant as serving firefighters leave or retire.  Recruiting and training them together as one group will mean that NFRS is able to maintain current strength and levels of service with no gaps in strength as people leave.

However 12 of these posts are brand new, daytime firefighters, growing the strength of the Fire Service and meaning 12 extra firefighters will be working to keep Northamptonshire safe, increasing the overall strength to 254 from 242 fire fighters.

At the same time, NFRS is purchasing seven new vehicles – five fire engines and two water rescue vehicles – to replace aging and outdated equipment.  Some of the fire engine fleet is currently more than 17 years old.

The recruitment drive has been made possible by the transfer of governance to Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold. The move has meant that the portion of the council tax collected for the Fire Service has been ring fenced for, and will only be spent on, the fire service.  The Chief Fire Officer and his team now have control of fire service resources and are able to create a capital investment programme and plan for the future.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey said: “At Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service we pride ourselves in working as hard as possible, with the resources available to us, to keep the people in this county safe. This extra investment in more firefighters and vehicles is very welcome in helping us become even more resilient and to strengthen the support we give to the community in dealing with emergencies, as well as preventing them.”

PFCC Stephen Mold said:  “I’m really proud to have been able to support the Fire Service to quickly reach a stable position where this investment can be made to increase the number of firefighters in the county and so enhance the resilience and capacity of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“This really is an exciting time, with a fresh start for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service.  Working with the Chief Fire Officer, we are able to plan for the future and supported NFRS to make that a reality.  The Fire Service has come a long way in a short time and I am pleased that I can support investment that lets the service make the next step and makes the county safer.”

To become a front-line firefighter, applicants are needed who have composure and understanding. They may need to react quickly in a crisis, or communicate vital information with clarity.

In return, those who are accepted will receive a highly competitive salary and benefits package, backed by excellent career development and promotion opportunities.

Applicants should:

• Be 18-years-old
• Live in Northamptonshire
• Have a full, clean driving licence

More information about how to apply and about the recruitment process is available from www.northantsfire.gov.uk