Firefighters are recruiting

BALLINA Fire Brigade is currently recruiting new members and will host an information morning on Saturday.

The positions are for part time/on-call retained firefighters who live or work close to Ballina Fire Station and are able to respond to a variety of incidents at short notice.

Captain Dennis Henry said most retained firefighters had other jobs.

However when the call came they were ready to drop whatever they were doing and become part of a team, ready to face any emergency.

"It is a tough job and you need to be fit and healthy," he said.

"Because you can't predict when you will be needed, you have to be flexible and available at short notice.

"The chances are that you will be at home, working for yourself, or working for a community-minded employer who can let you take time off to attend emergency calls.

"Finding people with daytime availability is our biggest problem."

This is a casual paid position with full training and uniform supplied.

Mr Henry reminded residents that the brigade conducted the SABRE program (Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement for the Elderly) in the Ballina Shire.

The service is for residents who need assistance with their smoke alarms and have limited support from family or friends.

Residents must purchase the 9-volt battery before firefighters come to do the free installation at a prearranged time.

The recruitment information morning is at Ballina Fire Station, 60 Crane St, on Saturday, July 14, at 10am.

For inquiries, phone Captain Dennis Henry on 0414 904 912.

To find out more about the SABRE program, call the station on 6686 2038 on Saturday mornings.