Malmesbury fire squad on look out for recruits (From This Is Wiltshire)

Malmesbury fire squad on look out for recruits

7:00am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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Malmesbury Fire Station Watch manager Wayne Jones will be recruiting new retained firefighters as the station celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday.

Despite an increase in numbers the station remains short of cover during weekday working hours.

Mr Jones said: “We are now up to 15, which is better than we have been in the past.

“But some periods throughout the week we are little thin, mainly during the day time Monday to Friday.

“We would be very interested in hearing from anyone who might be able to help out during those times. If they want to come along to our open day on Saturday we will be there to meet them, explain what we do and see if they fit the profile for what we are looking for.”

On Saturday there will also be plenty of fun packed activities for families to enjoy.

“There’s going to be lots going on, we’ll have the usual stuff like a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle, skittles and places to buy burgers and hot dogs,” said Mr Jones.

“We will also have appliances there to show people, community safety advice and lots of information about the fire service.”

The day marks 40 years since the building was opened as a retained station on July 9 1969 on the site of the old railway station.

Mr Jones, who has been a fireman for 11 years, said: “Things have moved on a lot since then. The biggest difference for us is the personal protective equipment we wear. Back then they used to wear wool jackets, rubberised leggings and cork helmets.

“Now we have much better equipment such as thermal protection, lightweight helmets and leather boots.”