Making a Difference: Firefighters Joey Stephens and Russ Buckley

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) relies on On-Call Firefighters to protect the communities it serves, with 75% of Fire Stations crewed entirely by On-Call Firefighters.

As well as the commitment and dedication of On-Call Firefighters, the Service also relies on a variety of employers allowing On-Call Firefighters to leave their main employment to attend emergency calls.

One such employer is Landmarc Solutions, which works to enable the Armed Forces to train safely and deploy on operations. 

Firefighter Joey Stevens, based at Abercrave Fire Station, has worked at Landmarc for 18 years and currently works as an Operations Room Administrator.  Around two years ago, Joey decided he wanted to dedicate some of his free time to becoming an On-Call Firefighter with MAWWFRS.

Speaking on his role as an On-Call Firefighter, Joey said:

“I work a four-on, four-off shift pattern, so I saw an opportunity to serve as an On-Call Firefighter in my time off.  We carry alerters and can be called to incidents day or night to everything from fires and road traffic collisions to flooding, medical emergencies and specialist rescues.

It's because of the help and support from employers like Landmarc that people like myself can make this kind of contribution to our community."

A Quarter-Century of Service

Firefighter Ross Buckley has served as an On-Call Firefighter at Llandovery Fire Station for 25 years, most of that time while also working at Landmarc as a Maintenance Technician.

Like Joey, Ross is on standby when on duty with an alerter and responds to a wide range of incidents.

“This role can require us to drop everything at any time, so having a flexible and understanding employer is essential. Landmarc has consistently supported me, even when a complex incident means I might not make it back to work on time.  That kind of reassurance takes a huge weight off the shoulders of those of us in the retained service."

Russ emphasises that the impact of this support reaches far beyond the individual: “Employers like Landmarc enable the Fire and Rescue Service to keep operating in rural and remote communities.  That support not only helps us, as employees, but more importantly, those who rely on emergency services when it matters most." 

Supporting our People and Communities

Landmarc recognises the unique contribution that On-Call Firefighters make to their communities and public safety.  Landmarc offers unpaid leave and workplace flexibility to employees like Joey and Russ, so they can continue their essential work, both on and off the clock.

MAWWFRS is continually grateful to the On-Call Firefighters that protects the communities it serves and the employers that offer flexibility for them to carry out their duties.

Become an On-Call Firefighter and Make a Real Difference

Firefighting is like no other job, it can be exciting, fulfilling and unpredictable.  Satisfaction and respect comes with providing a crucial service to your local community.

MAWWFRS is currently recruiting for On-Call Firefighters and a recently introduced availability and pay banding system offers more flexible options for On-Call Firefighters to balance their work and personal lives.

As an On-Call Firefighter, you’ll earn money for training, drills and call-outs, plus an annual retainer fee.  You’ll also gain valuable skills in emergency response and access professional training and certifications, which could lead to a Wholetime Firefighting career, or a career within another emergency service.

Find out more on becoming an On-Call Firefighter here.