Retained Firefighter

The role of the firefighter is:

·             To save life and preserve endangered life.

·             Protection of property from damage by fire and from firefighting measures.

·             To render humanitarian services.

·             To inform and educate your community to improve awareness of safety.

A firefighter must be:

·             at least 18 years of age on appointment

·             physically fit and agile with good stamina

·             able to work in hazardous conditions for long periods, including at heights and in confined spaces

·             mechanically adept with good dexterity and co-ordination

·             trustworthy, honest, dependable and generally of good character (see Garda Clearance)

·             self-reliant and self-assured with a keen sense of discipline

·             able to contribute to, and work within a team

·             able to understand and memorise technical information

·             able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Health and Safety

Health and Safety forms a key part in the role of every firefighter.

i.             It shall be the duty of every firefighter while at work:

(a)          to take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work;

(b) to co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her employer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions;

(c) to use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means or thing provided (whether for his/her use alone or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her safety, health or welfare while at work; and

(d) to report to his/her employer or his/her immediate superior, without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place of work or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare, of which he/she becomes aware.

ii. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment, item or other means provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing the safety, health or welfare of persons arising out of work activities.

Garda Clearance

The Service is in a position of trust with the public and has a duty to protect them. If you have a record of an offence, this will not necessarily disqualify you as all applications are considered strictly on their merit. However, you are required to declare any offence for which you have been convicted. You are advised to declare any charges that are pending; a subsequent conviction could lead to you being discharged from the Service.

If you fail to disclose information when required to do so, this will render your application void and if you have been employed may result in termination of employment.

A Garda clearance check will be carried out prior to your appointment to the Service.

Should you be charged with an offence between the date of the application or appointment you must notify the Service in writing, as this may affect your employment in the Service.

Training

Retained Firefighters are required to attend and pass a three-week initial training course. To complete this training, each recruit will be required to attend a training centre selected by the Chief Fire Officer. The main purpose is to teach practical Firefighting skills incorporating search and rescue, and the safe use of equipment such as ladders, pumps and hose. This is followed by two weeks Breathing Apparatus training at a later stage. Failure to satisfactorily complete these training courses will demonstrate a lack of suitability for the position of Retained Firefighter and may result in termination of employment.

On completion of the initial training, the recruit firefighter is required to undertake a recruit induction and development program over a specified period of time designed to equip them with the necessary skills in performing the duties assigned to them by the Chief Fire Officer. This will involve an ongoing requirement to attend and pass subsequent training and refresher training courses.

Each Retained Firefighter is also required to attend a weekly 2 hour drill night and a 3 day block training course typically held in the Spring.

Attendance at training is mandatory. This may result in absences from your current employment/career.

Inclusive Annual Retained Allowance

0-2 years service

€14,523 / Year

2-4 years service

€15,515 / Year

5-7 years service

€16,739 / Year

8 years plus

€17,854 / Year