CUMNOCK and Doon Valley residents are being encouraged to consider a career as a firefighter.

An appeal has been launched to find 300 more emergency fire men and women from all walks of life.

They would join ranks with over 3,000 wholetime firefighters already working to protect local communities.

At present, five per cent of Scotland’s firefighters identify as women while less than one per cent identify as belonging.

Cumnock Chronicle:

And SFRS Director of People and Organisational Development, Liz Barnes, says this latest campaign will actively work to encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds to help the Service ‘Break the Mould’ and further diversify.

Ms Barnes said: “We are very privileged to work for an emergency service that prides itself on working hard each and every day to serve and protect the people of Scotland.

“But we are also committed to ensuring that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reflects our country’s very unique and diverse communities - and that is why we are actively reaching out to everyone to ask them to consider a fantastic career as a wholetime firefighter.

“You will have to hit a high standard to ensure that you can safely respond in some of the most hostile and dynamic environments as part of an effective team - but equally you will also be required to work with residents and partners to prevent harm arising in the first place.

“We have an outstanding and committed training department who will ensure you are supported and guided through every single step of that process.

“But that process does not end there – you can take many routes within this service and we will help you to make the most of the opportunities available to you, whether that is as an Urban Search and Rescue Specialist or working your way into a senior officer role – maybe even Chief Officer one day.

“But I urge you to take that first step and apply to become a wholetime firefighter.”

She added: “Our message is simple – if you capable of being a firefighter, then we will help you realise that ambition.”

Applications to become a wholetime firefighter will go live on Thursday, March 21.