Retained Firefighter

The Role of the Retained Firefighter

The role of the retained firefighter is primarily to:

• Save life and preserve endangered life

• Protect property from damage by fire

• Inform and educate awareness of safety

Retained firefighters are on call to respond to emergencies. As well as responding to emergency calls, firefighters may also be involved in community fire safety initiatives. Although retained firefighters are part-time, they are fully trained and capable of saving life and property to provide a comprehensive service to the community.

When a call is received firefighters are required to respond immediately. Retained firefighters must be ready to drop whatever they are doing, to become part of a team ready to respond safely and effectively to the emergency, regardless of the time of day/night or the weather conditions.

The Fire Service responds to emergency calls from the public, primarily to prevent injury and protect life, but also to prevent and restrict damage to property. Many emergency calls are not to fires but to road-traffic accidents where casualties may be trapped in vehicles. The Fire Service may also be called to deal with chemical spillages and toxic emissions, etc. Firefighters need to be able to use problem solving skills and initiative to resolve issues quickly and calmly. Firefighters also need to be able to deal sensitively and appropriately with members of the public when they are distressed, confused or obstructive.

Firefighters are required to carry out routine checks, as well as cleaning and maintaining, all equipment and fire appliance to ensure they work properly when required during an emergency.

Firefighters are required to participate and take part in the duties as required as part of the organizational response to Climate Action to promote and ensure capacity building, empowering change and delivering action.

All new recruits undergo extensive initial training, which includes a three-week Recruit Induction course, a two-week Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course and one-week Compartment Fire Behaviour course. Thereafter all firefighters are required to undergo a continuous development programme by attending lectures, exercises, practical courses and other forms of training to maintain competency levels. Firefighters are expected to take responsibility for developing their own skills and for ensuring that their fitness levels are maintained as the work of a firefighter can be demanding, both physically and psychologically.

DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• A Firefighter shall be required to attend at fires and other emergencies, drills, displays and other duties at such times and for such periods as required by the County Council. Failure to respond promptly to fire or other emergency calls will be addressed through the Local Authority’s disciplinary procedure.

• Each Firefighter who attends for Fire Brigade service must be prepared to accept the work entailed and to fulfil to the best of their ability their duty as a Firefighter in the saving of life, saving of property and the fighting of fires or other such emergencies.

• Every Firefighter must comply with XYZ County Council’s Crew Management Arrangements for Retained Firefighters. Firefighters who are on standby during fires or other incidents shall remain at the Station and perform such duties as may be assigned by the Station Officer from time to time during the callout.

• Firefighters shall ensure that the Fire Station is kept clean & tidy at all times. Firefighting equipment shall be kept clean, maintained properly and stowed away in a safe manner.

• Firefighters are required to adhere to and co-operate with all National and Local Agreements pertaining to the Fire Services.

• Firefighters will be required to attend Training Courses as directed.

• Firefighters must undertake driving duties as required.

• Comply with all organisational policies, procedures and legislation.

• Participate & take part in the duties as required as part of the Organisational response to Climate Action to promote & ensure capacity building, empowering change and delivering action.

• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

THE CANDIDATE

Candidates must be:

• Able to work in hazardous conditions for long periods of time, including heights and confined spaces

• Mechanically adept with good dexterity and coordination

• Able to follow instruction

• Able to work well under pressure

• Self-reliant and self-assured with a keen sense of discipline

• Able to contribute to and work with a team

• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Able to understand and memorise technical information

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for the post of Retained Firefighter must be 18 years old on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms. A birth certificate must be submitted to the County Council as proof of age before a person is engaged as a recruit.

1. Character

Applicants must be of good character and must not at any time bring the County Council & Fire Brigade into disrepute. The Council may make whatever enquiries it considers necessary to satisfy this condition. Employment will be subject to the provision of satisfactory references and Garda Vetting.

2. Health

A Firefighter shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Medical Examination, etc.

Before recruitment, in order to ascertain the health of a candidate, successful applicants shall undergo such medical examinations (which may include x-ray and/or other special tests) as the County Council considers necessary. The County Council will nominate the medical examiners. The candidate must comply, at their own expense, with such remedial requirements as the County Council consider necessary.

An Operational Firefighter shall:

• Agree to participate in the Occupational Health Scheme for Retained Firefighters in operation by Longford County Council; and

• At any time, if requested by the County Council, undergo such medical examination(s) by medical examiner(s) as nominated by the County Council; and

• Attend medical examinations in accordance with the frequency set down in the Occupational Health Scheme for Retained Firefighters as issued by the (LGMA) to Local Authorities;

• Any defects discovered pertaining to a medical examination will not be remedied at the County Council's expense.

• Retention as an operational Firefighter will depend upon receipt of satisfactory reports by medical examiner(s) and to the general condition above as to health.

• An operational Firefighter is required to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness.

4. Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

5. Education

On the latest date for receipt of completed application forms candidates must:

• have a good standard of education and be able to successfully undergo the training required for the post of retained firefighter;

• hold an unendorsed Class B Driving Licence. On appointment and after an interval decided by the Chief Fire Officer, firefighters will be required to obtain a Class C Licence.

PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. The Post

Employment in the post of Retained Firefighter is part-time & pensionable.

2. Location

Persons appointed must live and work within a maximum of 8 minutes response time from time alert from the regional control centre. A maximum travel time of up to 7 minutes may be permitted (based on GPS navigation planner e.g. Google maps or similar as determined by Longford County Council) to allow them to respond for the duration of their employment as a Firefighter. The Council retains the right to request further evidence, if required on the information supplied, for the purpose of verification of place of residence and location of employment.

A Firefighter shall notify the County Council in writing of any subsequent changes of residence or place of employment. A change of residence or place of employment that would place the Firefighter outside these limits will mean automatic termination of employment. The Council will check this prior to appointment and at periodic intervals after appointment.

The fire stations are:

• Granard

• Lanesboro

• Longford

• Edgeworthstown

• Ballymahon

The location of the residence and place of work must be acceptable to the Chief Fire Officer.

A Firefighter must carry the appropriate fire service alerter at all times when on duty.

A Retained Firefighter will be required to report for duty to the Fire Station in its present location or in the event of a change of location, to such new location as may be decided by the Fire Authority. Changes in the location of a Fire Station will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation.

3. Letter of Release

Each Retained Firefighter including the self-employed, and the unemployed if they take up employment must submit a Letter of Release from their employer stating that their employer will release them to attend fire brigade incidents and training. When a firefighter changes employment a new letter of release must be submitted to the Chief Fire Officer in advance of the change in circumstances.

6. Driver’s Licence

A recruit Firefighter shall possess a valid full current Category B Driving Licence at the time of applying for the post and ideally a Category C Driving Licence for HGV with up to eight passengers. All newly appointed Retained Firefighters will be required to obtain a Category C Driving Licence. Firefighters will co-operate with further Driver Training and will be required to drive fire service vehicles, if operationally needed.

If a Firefighter has their licence suspended or removed for any reason, they must immediately inform the County Council, and it shall be dealt with through the Council’s disciplinary procedure and may result in termination of service at the absolute discretion of the County Council.

All Retained Fire Personnel must hold a full Drivers Licence and any loss or suspension of same and/or the accumulation of six penalty points or more must be notified in writing to the Fire Authority within two weeks of the occurrence.

Any Retained Firefighter found guilty of a criminal offence must inform the Chief Fire Officer in writing of the offence and within two weeks of conviction. The Chief Fire Officer will carry out an investigation into this matter under the Fire Service Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure.

Firefighters must drive Fire Service vehicles if instructed to do so.

7. Probationary Period of Employment

Before appointment as a Firefighter, a recruit shall attend and successfully complete the three-week Firefighter Skills Training Course.

Recruit Firefighters will be required to undergo and successfully complete the following recruit training programmes during their probationary period:

• A three-week Recruit Firefighting Skills Course (including manual handling);

• A two-week Breathing Apparatus Initial Wearers' Course;

• A one-week Breathing Apparatus Compartment Fire Behaviour Course; and

• Any other course that the County Council may consider necessary.

Training Fees will be paid at the current hourly rate for Firefighters during training. This hourly rate is currently €23.75.

Failure to successfully complete all of the above courses will result in the termination of the Firefighter’s employment. Some or all of the above courses will be held at a training facility, which may or may not be situated locally.

From the date of commencement as a recruit Firefighter, there shall be a period of 12 months during which the recruit Firefighter shall be on probation. During this time the recruit Firefighter shall be continually assessed to determine his/her suitability for continued employment. Such period of 12 months may be extended at the absolute discretion of the County Council. The recruit shall not become a permanent Firefighter at the end of the period of probation unless the County Council is satisfied that the Firefighter has been satisfactory in all respects.

If service is deemed unsatisfactory within the probationary period the appointee will cease to hold the position as tenure of employment is subject to satisfactory service on an ongoing basis.

8. Remuneration

Remuneration will consist of an inclusive annual allowance together with hourly rates for attendance at fires and drills. The Retainer and other fixed allowances will be paid from the date he/she takes up duty as a Retained Firefighter.

A Firefighter shall be paid at the appropriate approved national rates of Fire and Drill Fees and Retainer Fees and in accordance with any national agreements for retained Firefighters.

Payment of fees is currently made quarterly but will be moving to fortnightly payment during 2025. Remuneration is paid by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

The current Retained Firefighter allowance, and Drill / Incident Fees shall be paid in accordance with Government Circular EL 03/2025, as outlined. On appointment the candidate will be placed on the appropriate point of the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Circular.

Retained Firefighter: Retained Fire Service – Fire Fighter - Rates Applicable at 1st March 2025 €14,523.00 - €17,854.00

Clothing Allowance: €186.29 per annum will be provided pro rata as a single payment in December of each year.

There is an obligation on Firefighters to attend at alert/fire calls and at drills. This is the basis on which a retainer is paid. The onus on arranging to receive an alert/fire call shall rest with the Firefighter.

9. Drills

Notwithstanding any other disciplinary action that the County Council may apply, failure to attend or participate in 85% of all drills in any quarter of a year, without good reason, will be addressed through the Local Authority’s disciplinary procedure.

10. Incidents

In the case of an alert/fire call the Firefighter shall attend all calls within their Rostered-On duty Period (24 Weeks per annum). Firefighters who attend calls will be remunerated as per the Crew Management Arrangements for Retained Firefighters as operated by XYX County Council.

Where the Chief Fire Officer considers that a Firefighter is not fulfilling the above attendance standards which he/she considers reasonable in all the circumstances, the Chief Fire Officer will consider the matter of attendance under the Council’s disciplinary policy. Subsequent continuing failure to meet the above attendance standards, without good reason, shall be dealt with through the disciplinary procedure, and may result in termination of service at the absolute discretion of the County Council.

11. Superannuation & Retirement

Firefighters who would be physically capable of working beyond age 55 will have the option to continue working for a defined limited period, subject to compulsory medical examination on an annual basis assessed on the basis of set medical standards. The extended period will be to the maximum age of 60 subject to annual compulsory assessment under the Occupational Health Scheme.

Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all new entrant Retained Firefighters who commence employment on or after 1 January 2013. The provisions of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will apply in the case of Retained Firefighters, with the exception of minimum pension age, as an earlier pension age is applicable to those employed in the retained fire service. Circular letters S. 6/2013 and S. 6/2013 (amended) apply.

12. Annual Leave

Longford County Council’s annual leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Your annual leave entitlement will be in accordance with the Council’s employee annual leave allowance. The current annual leave entitlement for Retained Firefighter is 28 days per annum. A 14 day block of Annual Leave must be taken during the year. This will consist of one weeks roster one and one weeks flexible working taken together. Retained Firefighter have to be roster available for a minimum of 24 weeks of the year.

The granting of annual leave at any particular time is always subject to the requirements of the Council and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure.

You are expected to avail of your leave allowance during the current leave year and any carry forward of annual leave must be in accordance with annual leave policy.

The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 shall apply.

A Firefighter will be required to comply with the terms of the Crew Management Arrangements for Retained Firefighters as operated by Longford County Council. In cases of Annual Leave, advance notice must be given to the Station Officer or in their absence, to the Sub-Officer in advance of the first day of Annual Leave. Approval of annual leave will be subject to minimum crewing levels being maintained at station level. Each Firefighter must use their leave sheet or other means to record such annual leave absences.

13. Code of Conduct / Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future policies applicable during their period of employment period with Longford County Council.

14. Training

Retained Firefighters are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as required and to apply their learning in the course of their working activities.

15. Health and Safety Regulations

Longford County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work.

Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.

Firefighters must co-operate with the terms of Longford County Council’s Fire Service Safety Statement. They will familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. They must report to the appropriate supervisor any defect they notice in the place of work or system of work which might be dangerous to safety, health or welfare. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in disciplinary action.