All applicants will have to pass our assessment day in order to progress through their application to become an on-call or wholetime firefighter. Matt and Liam in our Fitness Team have created the video above to show you what to expect on our assessment day.
Many people worry that they aren’t fit enough or strong enough to be a firefighter when this probably isn’t the case. Being a firefighter is a physical job, but with the right training most people can reach the average level of fitness that we require.
Our Fitness Team are here to support you throughout the National Firefighter Physical Tests to ensure you understand what’s involved and inform you on how you can improve your fitness level.
The exercises test your level of cardiovascular and muscular strength/endurance.
Some of this may sound intimidating but don’t forget that you’ll be invited to try some of these activities out before a full assessment day so that you’re confident and informed. And if you struggle we’ll support you in understanding where your weak areas are so you can come and try again another time.
Make sure to follow our Fitness Team on Instagram for more fitness advice.
Have you seen our new fitness training programme? Starting from the very first warm-up, it gives tips on how to improve both aerobic fitness and strength and helps you create a personalised plan to prepare for our tests and get yourself firefighter fit. You can download a copy to keep.
You will have the choice of two aerobic fitness tests – either the Bleep Test or the Chester Treadmill Test.
The bleep test and involves running between two points which are 20 metres apart. You’ll need to get to level 8.8 to pass, which means eight shuttle runs into level eight.
The Chester Treadmill Test is performed at a set speed of 6.2kmph (3.9mph). The test lasts for 12 minutes and every 2 minutes the treadmill incline is increased by 3%. You must walk for the duration of the test and not hold on at any point.
This ensures you’re confident at working at height.
A strength test to ensure you can lift a ladder.
Also known as a dummy drag, this will test your upper and lower strength.
Making sure you’re not claustrophobic and have confidence manoeuvring through tight spaces while wearing equipment.
This tests your aerobic fitness, strength and stamina.
Also known as the manual dexterity test, here you will put a piece of equipment together using a step by step instructional guide.
Make sure to follow our Fitness Team on Instagram for more fitness advice.
Have you seen our new fitness training programme? Starting from the very first warm-up, it gives tips on how to improve both aerobic fitness and strength and helps you create a personalised plan to prepare for our tests and get yourself firefighter fit. You can download a copy to keep.
Firefighter Luke Oliver is a roofer and he’s also an on-call firefighter in Stansted. A role he’s paid to do to help protect his community.
Luke was looking for a role that served a purpose and when he saw an opportunity to become an on-call firefighter, he jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s a way to give back to the community I live in and serve a purpose in my spare time,” says Luke.
“My favourite part is the sense of achievement you get on calls when you’ve saved people or property.”
Our on-call firefighters are competent firefighters who instead of being based at the fire station full time, they stay within 5 minutes of the fire station and respond when they’re paged to an incident.
They receive a wide variety of training to help them prepare for all types of incidents from fires, water rescues and chemical incidents.
Luke’s favourite part of training has been the Breathing Apparatus training. Our firefighters wear Breathing Apparatus to help them breathe in smokey environments. Each kit weighs around 20kg and is worn on top of full fire gear.
“It’s been the best training I’ve ever done in 29 years,” says Luke.
In his almost 4 years of serving in Stansted, the adrenaline rush hasn’t worn off. “Every time the pager goes off, the adrenaline rush is there,” he says.
Luke and his colleagues never know what they could be called to. It could be a house fire, an animal rescue or in Luke’s case being close to Stansted Airport, an emergency on an aeroplane.
To help residents stay safe, Luke’s best safety advice would be to have working smoke alarms at home.
“And test your smoke alarms regularly too, one day they might save yours and your family’s lives,” says Luke.
If like Luke, you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community.
“You will not regret it!” says Luke.
Find out more about the role at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call
Firefighter Keegan Johnson is a dispenser in a pharmacy and also an on-call firefighter in Stansted. A role they’re paid to do to help protect their community.
Never one to shy away from helping people, 21-year-old Keegan joined us to make a difference in people’s lives and joined us in 2021.
Keegan said: “I want to help people. I’ve always been the one to run towards the danger instead of away, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing knowing that I could make a positive difference in someone’s life. I will always strive to help in anyway I can and being a firefighter has truly changed my perspective on life for the better.”
Living and working in the community has given Keegan the opportunity to meet lots of different people in Stansted from all walks of life. “I am constantly meeting new faces every job I go to and I will never tire at the chance to meet someone new,” says Keegan.
Keegan hopes to become a role model for diverse communities and to inspire young people after joining the Service at 19.
“I didn’t have a lot of role models from a diverse background so I’d like to help kids now get a chance to have one,” says Keegan.
Their favourite part of the role so far has been the new-found family in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
“I find that each new person I speak to I learn something I didn’t know before and expanding my own knowledge through them,“ says Keegan. “I have created strong bonds with people in the Service that I most likely would not have met and through that I feel as though I have gained a family.”
Our on-call firefighters are competent firefighters who instead of being based at the fire station full time, they stay within 5 minutes of the fire station and respond when they’re paged to an incident.
They receive a wide variety of training to help them prepare for all types of incidents from fires, water rescues and chemical incidents.
Keegan’s favourite part of their training has been the Breathing Apparatus training. Our firefighters wear Breathing Apparatus to help them breathe in smokey environments. Each kit weighs around 20kg and is worn on top of full fire gear.
“There is nothing that beats the adrenaline of putting on a set and going headfirst into the action,” says Keegan.
“While I enjoy almost every aspect of the job, wearing BA will always be my top favourite thing to do. The training course was not easy but that makes you feel all the better once you pass. Whether it be in training or on a call, nothing will beat the feeling when your OIC says to get that set on and ready to go.”
Lots of the incident Keegan goes to are house fires and their advice to help you stay safe at home is:
“Always make sure that your smoke alarms are working in your home, they are there to save your life and should you ever need them you want to be able to rely on them notifying you of danger that you might not even know is there! Just a quick test once a will give you the reassurance that they are primed and ready to go. So if you look after your smoke alarms they will look after you!”
And if you’re looking to become an on-call firefighter like Keegan, their advice is to go for it and don’t give up if you don’t get in first time.
“You can’t give up or give in when it comes to applying, training and even when you’re on the run. It took me three tries to pass my fitness test and even though it was hard and I wanted to give up at times I just reminded myself why I was joining in the first place. So each time I failed I got back up and tried again, give it your all and keep pushing forward!
“Once you make that first enquiry and take your first step towards becoming a firefighter you now have an army of people at your back who are rooting for you and your crew will always be there to support you throughout your entire career.
“So if you thinking of joining Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, remember that you have to believe in yourself. You can do this so don’t give up!”
If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community like Keegan.
Find out more about the role at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call
Being a firefighter is in 19-year-old Ben Andrews’ blood. Coming from a family of five on-call and wholetime firefighters, Ben always knew he’d become a firefighter.
“I always found it so exciting to hear their stories and it has been a dream of mine ever since I was a child to follow in their footsteps,” says Ben.
Ben is an on-call firefighter at South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station, a role he is paid to do alongside his day job as a Sports Coach.
“I love helping my local community and working as part of a team,” says Ben.
He’s one of seven on-call firefighters at South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station. The crew all live or work within 5 minutes of the fire station and are paid to protect their community as on-call firefighters. They respond to incidents when they are paged and could be sent to a variety of incidents including fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues.
“My favourite part of the job, without a doubt, is getting to ride on the fire engine and attending a wide variety of incidents,” says Ben.
“The excitement and adrenaline when your pager goes off is unrivalled. It is so exciting and very very rewarding!
“My advice for anyone thinking of applying is to ‘DO IT!’ Just apply and give it a chance.
“When I applied straight out of college, although it was something I had desperately wanted to do, I had no idea I would enjoy it so much!”
Ben has been called to a variety of incidents during his career as an on-call firefighter and his safety advice to keep residents safe is:
“Have working smoke alarms and test your smoke alarms! Make sure that there are smoke alarms in your home and that they are tested weekly. My best road safety tip is ‘Always wear your seatbelt, trust me, they really do save lives!”
If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community like Ben.
Find out more about the role at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call
Self-employed hairdresser Teresa Claxton is paid to protect her community as an on-call firefighter at Great Baddow Fire Station.
She received a leaflet through her door one day from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service advertising an on-call firefighter role in Great Baddow and decided to apply.
She said: “It took me a whole year to get to the fitness standard but it was lockdown so I had plenty of time to train. You’ve got to get fit for the role. I had to learn to run, learn to lift and getting up the ladders has been a challenge climbing that height. But I’ve done it, and it’s the best job.
“The role is exhilarating, every day has been a challenge but it’s good, I like a challenge. Being an on-call firefighter is the polar opposite to being a hairdresser.
“It fits in really well with my job. I work for myself so I can provide cover for whatever hours are needed to fill in the gaps. There’s not a lot of worries for me during the day at the moment, but it works out that I provide cover two days a week and every evening and night.
“I’ve had great support from everyone I’ve met within the service and this has really helped to build my confidence and encourage me to continue even when I’ve had doubts.
“I’ve covered all kinds of topics which I’d never given a thought to before, such as electricity and shipping!”
If you live or work within 5 minutes of Great Baddow Fire Station like Teresa, you could be an on-call firefighter.
Find out more at essex-fire.gov.uk/gb
Firefighter Dominic Daniel’s childhood dream was to become a firefighter and when he moved from London to Ongar, he became an on-call firefighter at Ongar Fire Station.
“When I saw the banner at the Fire Station, I saw it as my opportunity to fulfil that childhood dream,” says Dominic. “The hours fitted around my work schedule and my whole family supports me being an on-call firefighter.”
Dominic – who is a Duty Manager, Lifeguard and Royal Lifesaving Society Assessor in his day job – works with his colleagues to help protect their community and he loves being part of a close-knit team.
He said: “I love being part of the team and learning and developing new skills which not only benefit me but my community when they need our help.”
Dominic’s advice to anyone thinking of applying for an on-call firefighter role is: “Just do it, can you see yourself enjoying anything else more? I didn’t pass my fitness test the first time but with determination and the support and encouragement from the team, I managed to make the cut.”
Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter at Ongar Fire Station at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call/ongar/
Firefighter Tom Hodge has always wanted to become firefighter and is hoping to make a full-time career out of it as a wholetime firefighter.
He joined Ongar Fire Station after chatting to friends who were already in the Fire Service who suggested he became an on-call firefighter to find out more about the role.
Tom works full-time as a postman and on evenings and weekends, he is able to provide on-call cover in Ongar. He manages his time to respond to incidents, attend training sessions and spend time with friends and family.
He said: “I free myself up to respond to incidents outside of my work hours and any training I take part in is outside of work time. I select my on-call hours accordingly, so I don’t miss out on social events or quality family time.
“It’s really rewarding giving something back to the community. I’m always learning and realising how proud we make the people closest to us.
“It’s a big commitment, so make sure you and your family know all the information,” says Tom to anyone thinking of applying to become an on-call firefighter.
“But do the research about the role and I very much doubt you will regret it.”
Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter at Ongar Fire Station at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call/ongar/
Firefighter Tom Mahaffy wanted to become a firefighter for several years and when he moved to Ongar and realised he lived within 5 minutes of the fire station, he applied straight away to become an on-call firefighter and he’s not looked back.
“I love the adrenaline buzz when my pager goes off,” says Tom, “As well as the job satisfaction and knowing you make a difference to other people in need.”
While working as an Operations and Delivery Team Specialist for a Flood and Coastal Risk Management company, Tom is able to provide fire cover in Ongar during evenings and weekends.
He said: “I can provide 90 hours each week and while that sounds like a high commitment, it means that after working an 8-4:30pm day, I can be on-call during the nights and weekends. This suits my family as we can spend time at home together and we can still plan days out.
“To be honest, the time commitment did worry me when I looked into joining the Fire Service but if you want to apply, be open about any worries or concerns you have with the On-Call Liaison Team who will help you through every step of the way.”
Tom is part of a tight knit team at Ongar Fire Station who all work together to provide fire cover in the community while working other jobs and spending time with friends and family.
“My crew are like my second family,” says Tom. “We’re all really close and work well together in an often challenging environment.”
Tom’s biggest advice to anyone thinking of applying is to: “Get yourself into a good fitness grove and enjoy the process.”
Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter at Ongar Fire Station at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call/ongar/
Bradley Valentine works full time for a removals company and has been an on-call firefighter at Great Baddow Fire Station for a year and a half.
He always wanted to be a firefighter after firefighters saved his life following a serious road traffic collision when he was 10-years-old.
Bradley was worried that he couldn’t join because he is dyslexic.
“It’s been the complete opposite,” says Bradley. “Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has been amazing. They have helped me so much and were able to give me support for the written and practice assessments.
“I would recommend the role to anyone, even if you have got disabilities. It shouldn’t affect you at all. It’s such an incredible feeling knowing that you’ve saved a life and are helping people.
“If you’ve got the time and you want to give some time and give something back to the community, then apply. You can come in and have a look at the station to see what the role entails and go from there.
Bradley is able to provide cover during the evenings and weekends. If you live or work within 5 minutes of Great Baddow Fire Station like Teresa, you could be an on-call firefighter.
Find out more at essex-fire.gov.uk/gb
Thirty-seven-year-old Sean Goodchild is a security officer for the Ministry of Defence who is also paid to protect his community as an on-call firefighter.
Sean has always had an interest in the Fire Service so he became an on-call firefighter at Great Baddow Fire Station.
He said: “I joined the fire service mainly because I have always had an interest in it but also – it fits in perfectly around my job and my family life.
“In my main job, I work a shift pattern consisting of two days followed by two nights then four days off and during these days off are when I cover most of my required on-call 90 hours. I also have the option of covering some evenings and days while I’m home from London after a shift, which in truth, actually means I cover a lot of hours while I’m at home asleep!
“I enjoy that I pick the hours I wish to cover and although a 90 hours per week contract sounds a lot, it is easily managed (I even get to do the school runs most days).
“Every time my pager alerts me to a shout and I fly down the station to get my fire gear on, I get satisfaction knowing that my crew and I are helping the community, nearly every shout is something different and I feel a sense of pride to know that we’ve helped.
“If its suits your lifestyle and you live within 5 minutes of your local on-call fire station I would highly recommend you apply to be a firefighter and help your community.”
If you live or work within 5 minutes of Great Baddow Fire Station like Sean, you could be an on-call firefighter.
Find out more at essex-fire.gov.uk/gb