The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service award Moray Council for supporting on call firefighters
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has presented Moray Council with an Employer Recognition Award for supporting on call firefighters and enabling them to protect their local communities.
Employers show their support for the SFRS by releasing their employees - who are also trained on call firefighters who carry a pager - to attend to emergencies and to help their local communities at a time of need.
The SFRS has a long-standing partnership with Moray Council who have supported around 30 of their employees to serve and protect communities across Moray as on call firefighters.
Gary Smith and David Crombie both work for Moray Council as school janitors. As on call firefighters they have collectively contributed more than 65 years of dedicated service.
This commitment plays a vital role in sustaining emergency response capability, particularly in rural areas.
It’s great to work for an employer that understands the importance of what we do and supports us to balance both roles. This award means a lot to us.
David Crombie is based at Buckie Community Fire Station. He said: “Being a retained firefighter is a big responsibility, and having Moray Council’s backing makes it possible. We’re proud to serve our community and appreciate this recognition.”
Area Commander Andrew Wright is SFRS Local Senior Officer for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. He said: “We greatly value the commitment shown by the Council in supporting their employees to serve as on call firefighters. This partnership not only strengthens community resilience but also demonstrates a shared dedication to public safety and wellbeing. By enabling staff to take on this vital role, the Council is helping to ensure that our communities remain protected and that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can continue to deliver an outstanding level of service.”
Karen Greaves, Chief Executive of Moray Council, said: “Moray Council is proud to support our staff who serve as retained firefighters. Their dedication to keeping our communities safe is inspiring, and this award reflects the strong partnership we have built with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service over many years.”
On Call Firefighters - About the Role
- The role of the firefighter involves far more than fighting fires and can include partnership, prevention, and education.
- Our on call firefighters often balance responding to emergencies via a pager with primary employment as well as family life.
- Becoming an on call firefighter can help you give back to your community while earning a second income.
- You will learn transferable skills.
- On call firefighters bring with them a wide range of experience from other roles which can include sheep farmers, joiners, hoteliers, administrators.
For more information on becoming an On Call Firefighter
Information for Employers:
Employers can read more about how to support their employees and how they can help to play a part in keeping their local community safe.