At midnight on 31 March 1948 the National Fire Service was disbanded, and on 1 April 1948 Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade came into service.
On 1 April 2018, to mark the 70th anniversary, former Station Commander John Bull published “The Evolution of Buckinghamshire Village and Town Fire Brigades Into The Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade.”
John’s 30-year career with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service started in January 1981 when he became a retained firefighter at Beaconsfield Fire Station.
He became a wholetime firefighter at High Wycombe Fire Station in 1982, transferred back to Beaconsfield in 1989 and worked his way up the ranks to become an ADO (Assistant Divisional Officer, later called Station Manager and now Station Commander) in 2004 before retiring in January 2011.
“Our values guide our actions and decisions every day. Integrity, compassion, and trust are the cornerstones of who we are and what we stand for. These values represent the foundation of our Service and will guide us in everything we do. Our brand personality is brought to life through the below behaviours. They reflects our commitment to professionalism, connection, ambition, and empowerment.”
We are so much more than fighting fires! While it is true to say responding to emergency incidents like fires and road traffic collisions is at the very core of what we do, our firefighters and wider support teams work within the community keeping our vulnerable safe.
Some are surprised to know we have a wide range of support teams from HR, appliance workshop, to Community Safety Technicians that make sure our pumps get out the door and help prevent emergencies from starting.
How long does the development phase last if I become an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
Following your initial training, you will enter a structured two-year development programme designed to support you in building the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.
Throughout this period, you will receive ongoing training, support and assessment to help you progress and develop as an On-Call Firefighter.
You will learn more about the development programme during one of our On-Call Experience Evenings. You can book your place at an upcoming event here.
When will I know if my application to become a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter has been successful?
If you successfully complete the first five stages of the On-Call Firefighter recruitment process, you may be considered for an offer of employment at Stage 6.
Further information about the recruitment journey, including what to expect at each stage, will be provided during the On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings you attend.
We strongly encourage prospective applicants to attend one of these sessions to gain a better understanding of the role and the process.
You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings here.
What will happen at the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter induction day?
If you are invited to attend an On-Call Firefighter Induction Day, you will have successfully reached Stage 8 of the recruitment process. This is an exciting milestone and marks the beginning of your On-Call Firefighter journey. The induction day will take place at a fire station and will provide an introduction to the role, the training programme, and what you can expect as an On-Call Firefighter. You will find out more about this during the On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings you attend. You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings here.
How do I apply to be a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
Applications can be submitted directly through our website. Before applying, we encourage interested individuals to either attend a On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings or arrange a telephone conversation to learn more about the role. If you wish to progress your application, please visit our Join Us page here and complete the online application form.
What happens at an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings?
Attending an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening, or requesting a telephone discussion is the first stage of our On-Call recruitment process. You can book a date on our Events page to visit a local fire station where the role and responsibilities will be explained. The On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening provides an opportunity to try some of the physical activities that form part of the assessment day. Alternatively, you can arrange a telephone discussion to learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have.
You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening here.
Will there be an interview if I apply to become a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
Yes, if your application is successful. This is stage five of the recruitment process and you will be invited to an interview with us.
You will find out more about this during the On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings you attend. You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings here.