Masterton Fire Station welcomed eight “enthusiastic” visitors to a career practice day last Saturday in an effort to try and fill two vacancies in the brigade.
The four men and four women who attended were first given a presentation by chief firefighter Richard King, who explained what being a firefighter involves, before they took part in practical activities that gave them first-hand experience of what the role requires.
King said that those who attended were all keen and received insights into aspects of the job that aren’t so well known.
“The way I put it is we provide them with the training and tools to help people when they need it the most,” King said.
“Before 2017 we were called the Fire Service but changed to Fire and Emergency New Zealand [Fenz] because we do other things than just attend fires.
“Any time someone is having a cardiac arrest in the region, for example, we will always go and help out Wellington Free Ambulance.”
Those who are interested in making a career with Fenz but missed the Masterton station practice day are welcome to attend a practice day this Saturday at Kilbirnie Fire Station [7 Troy Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington] from 9am to 12pm.
King also noted that Fenz is always on the lookout for volunteers, who “play a big part in helping us respond to events and all of our fire stations utilise volunteers”.
“The best way to sign up to be a volunteer is to call your local fire station and arrange to join a practice session.”
Fire stations in Wairarapa that need volunteers include Ngāwī, Lake Ferry, Tora, Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton, Masterton, Wainuioru, Riversdale Beach, Castlepoint, Tīnui, Mauriceville, and Eketāhuna.
