A fire station is inviting residents to a ‘taster day’ in an effort to bolster diversity in their recruitment and enhance community relationships.

Representing Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, Kidlington Fire Station will host ‘have a go day’ on Saturday, June 11.

Fire crews will be offering people from a range of backgrounds an opportunity to find out what it takes to be a firefighter, or a member of the fire prevention team.

Participants will also be able to ask questions to those already in service.

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At Kidlington attendees will have the chance to try out physical assessments such as ladder climbing and putting on breathing apparatus.

Firefighters will also offer advice on how to build up strength and fitness.

The team will explain how the recruitment process works, how long it takes and what it is like being a firefighter, both full-time and on-call.

Oxfordshire County Council are keen to have a diverse team of firefighters working in the county, reflecting gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The recruitment campaign is designed to enhance community relationships, break down barriers and deliver the right service and advice at the right time, with the right outcome.

Kidlington firefighter, Oliver Houghton, said: “Fire doesn’t discriminate, and neither does the fire service.

“If you think you have what it takes to be an on-call firefighter, we want to hear from you.”

For details of future ‘taster’ days and how to apply to be an on-call firefighter, email fire.recruitment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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