LINCOLNSHIRE Fire and Rescue wants to encourage more women to join its ranks as frontline firefighters.
The emergency service is holding a recruitment event this Saturday to extinguish the myth that only men can do the job.
The event will give women in good health and aged 18 or over the chance to see what it takes to put on the uniform, save lives and protect their communities.
The service’s unique recruitment pod will be available to give would-be firefighters a go at the actual physical tests required. And officers will be on-hand to give advice and answer any questions.
Justyna Kawka, a female retained firefighter from Boston, joined the service in September 2010.
She said: “To any woman who is thinking about becoming a firefighter, I would say ‘go for it’.
“It’s just not true that it’s a men-only career – I’m proof of that. I love the job. It’s challenging, rewarding and exciting. I would recommend it to anyone.
“I’m a great believer that having both men and women in teams really improves the service we offer.”
Karl Foxall, from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s recruitment team, said: “Our recruitment event will give you a great feel for working in the fire service.
“We will talk you through the application process and you can have an informal interview to get the ball rolling. You can even have a practice run at the physical tests.
“If you’re looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding way to serve your local community, please come and see us.”
The recruitment event takes place at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s headquarters on South Park in Lincoln, between noon and 4pm this Saturday.
More information about the training process and what it’s like to be a firefighter is available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr or http://extraordinary.direct.gov.uk