South Somerset Works supports the local Fire Service

16 July 2007

A carpenter who works for Yeovil-based South Somerset Works also spends his time working for the Yeovil retained Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and wants others to do the same. Tommy Holmes, aged 31 years, is on call 24 hours a day including weekends, and can be called upon to attend the same range of incidents as their full-time counterparts at any time of the day or night.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the statutory fire and rescue service covering the counties of Somerset and Devon. Retained firefighters are men and women who are on-call at certain times during the week. They may be on call in their own time or in work time (with the support of their employer). Retained firefighters can expect to attend fires, road traffic collisions and support all kinds of other incidents.

Tommy explained about the essential training practice, ‘As a retained firefighter I have to attend a three-hour training session (drill night) once a week. The most recent training session was held at the car park and stores at the South Somerset Works depot in Yeovil. We tested various items of equipment, and changed into our firefighting uniform for a practical session which involved the incident support unit and wearing breathing apparatus sets, using two pumps, the water tender ladder and water tender. We then carried out an exercise rescuing three dummies from a false fire in the building.’

Tommy mentioned they are always looking for more recruits, ‘We all need the help of a firefighter from time to time. Whether it's a fire in someone's house or a road incident, firefighters are very much needed in every community. Have you ever thought about becoming one? Joining the Fire Service is a great way of meeting new people - both the mates you work with and those in the community whom you help.’

If you want to know more about joining, you can contact the recruitment line on 01935 382000. They're looking for ordinary people, male or female, to help do a job that's out of the ordinary - why not give it a go?

Pictured from left to right is Ed Kirlew (Firefighter), Paul Kemble (Crew Commander), Mark Rollo (Firefighter), Tommy Holmes (Carpenter, SSW and Firefighter) and John Bass (Assistant Storekeeper, SSW)

Pictured here are the Firefighters carrying out dummy during a practice drill at South Somerset Works depot at Armoury Road in Yeovil