Press release
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Wholetime firefighter recruitment opens in Essex

Firefighter Alberto Prado Linan

Could you make a difference to making Essex safe? Apply to be a wholetime firefighter with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) now.  

Recruitment opened today (Monday 5 February) and will remain open until 29 February, for a squad which will start in August 2024.  

It is expected it will then reopen again in July. 

ECFRS is encouraging people from all walks of life to join and contribute to the safety and well-being of the community. 

You don’t need any firefighting experience as training will be provided. To apply, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: 

  • be eligible to work in the UK   

  • be at least 18 years old   

  • have a full UK driving licence (manual)   

  • You must have a GCSE pass at grade C or 4 (or above), or have completed a functional skills (level 2) in Maths and English. You will be required to provide evidence of these qualifications. 

Firefighter Alberto Prado-Linan started as a wholetime firefighter in 2023. He said: “Since I started working at the station, I like my job more every day. Every time we go out on a call, the feeling of doing something good for the community is really comforting.  

“At first, I was very nervous because I had just started the training and English is not my first language, so everything seemed much more complicated. But the entire team have been patient and have supported me throughout. I would never change them for another team!  

“I always heard that this was the best job in the world, but now I can say from my experience that it is true.” 

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “We’re excited to start recruitment for a new squad of wholetime firefighters this year.  

“There’s no career quite like that of a firefighter. If you’re interested but are holding back because you think you can’t do it, you might be amazed by the transferrable skills you have that could apply to this profession. 

“The role isn’t just about tacking fires or rescuing people from danger. It’s about speaking to people, engaging with communities, visiting schools and offering safety advice.” 

“This recruitment drive is an essential step in making sure that we have the skilled and committed people needed to respond to emergencies and make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel.”  

Next steps 

If you’re interested in applying to become a firefighter and want to know more, visit https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/wholetime/apply  

There, you'll find lots of information on fitness, the application process and the link to apply.  

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