Featherston brigade searches for recruits

ON CALL: Featherston volunteer firefighters, deputy chief fire officer Kevin Lett, left, senior operation support officer Doug Juggins and qualified fire fighter Mireie Penman. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

Featherston fire brigade is on a recruitment drive.

"We're in need of volunteers," says deputy chief Kevin Lett, adding most brigades in the country are in need.

"But particularly in Wairarapa, it's hard keeping people, with work opportunities here."

Mr Lett, senior operation support officer Doug Juggins and firefighter Mireie Penman attended St Teresa's School Harvest Festival to put on firefighting demonstrations and hand out safety pamphlets.

Although there is fitness training to keep up a level of stamina, there is no initial fitness requirement.

Senior operational support officer Doug Juggins said he started volunteering when he was 47 and "I wasn't the fittest at the time.

"It's certainly improved now."

You must be 16 years old to become a volunteer, and if you are under 18 you need parental consent.

As well as attending callouts, volunteers attend a weekly brigade training night.

Wairarapa has volunteer fire brigades at Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown and Carterton, as well as several rural fire forces.

For more information, see your local chief fire officer or call 0800 FIRE RECRUIT (0800 347 373).