Bishop Auckland dad Jonner Robinson fulfilled his childhood dream of joining the fire service when he became an on-call firefighter 20 years ago.
Growing up near Newton Aycliffe Fire Station, Jonner would see crews responding to incidents and knew that one day he wanted to serve the community in which he lived.
Alongside his various day jobs - which included a stint as a dairy farmer, call centre worker and insurance company training manager - Jonner would give up his free time to respond to fires and emergencies as an on-call firefighter with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).
Jonner, 38, went on to become a wholetime firefighter in July 2014 and is now a Watch Manager at Bishop Auckland.
He said on-call firefighters are vital to the Service.
“Many people don’t know that on-call firefighters exist, but they provide a crucial role in the Service - without them we couldn’t operate as effectively as we do,” he said.
“At Bishop Auckland, our on-call firefighters are made up of mechanics, facility managers, chefs, paramedics and business owners.
“When they aren’t at their full-time jobs, they make themselves available to respond to emergencies.”
Jonner, who remains an on-call firefighter at Bishop Auckland, continued: “What makes me proud to be a part of this Service is working with people that give their free time up to stay on-call so that their fire engine is available.
“They respond to fires and other emergencies and then go to work as normal the next day.
“The sacrifice that both they and their families make so that they can contribute to the Service is amazing."
CDDFRS is recruiting on-call firefighters and no experience is necessary, but applicants must live within a five-minute radius of an on-call fire station.
Jonner urged anyone interested in the role to go for it.
“I think some people who are really interested in becoming on-call firefighters don’t apply because they feel as though they wouldn’t fit in or be accepted for who they are,” he said.
“My advice for anyone who is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter is to apply - just give it a go!
“The Service is more diverse today than it has ever been, and we need a diverse workforce as it provides different ways of thinking, different approaches to problems and more innovation.
“Whoever you are, or wherever you’re from, as soon as you start training you’ll be part of the team and you’ll make friends for life!”
To apply to become an on-call firefighter, visit: On-call Firefighters - Applications NOW OPEN | County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
