Making a Difference: Firefighter Dewi Morgans

“Being an On-Call Firefighter has changed my life… I love every minute of it!”

Dewi protects his local community an On-Call Firefighter at Aberaeron Fire Station, as well as a Wholetime Firefighter at Aberystwyth Fire Station.  In this video, Dewi shares his experiences of working as an On-Call Firefighter and what he’s gained from the role.

Our new On-Call Firefighter banding system offers greater flexibility, better pay and opportunities for personal development - read more below.

Become an On-Call Firefighter and Make a Real Difference

Firefighting is unlike any other job, it’s exciting, fulfilling and unpredictable.  It brings a sense of satisfaction and respect through providing a vital service to your local community.

On-Call Firefighters are essential to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), with 75% of the Service’s fire stations crewed entirely by On-Call Firefighters.  They respond to a wide variety of incidents, including fires, road traffic collisions, chemical emergencies, animal rescues, flooding and more.  They also play a key role in community education and safety, conducting Safe and Well visits in people’s homes.

MAWWFRS is currently recruiting On-Call Firefighters at each of its On-Call Fire Stations.  

MAWWFRS recently introduced a new availability and pay banding system.  This system recognises the need to balance work and personal lives, offering more flexible options for those interested in becoming On-Call Firefighters.

The new banding system offers five availability options, replacing the previous two, giving both current and prospective On-Call firefighters greater flexibility in how they serve.

The new banding system includes the following options:

• Band 5: At least 120 hours of availability per week
• Band 4: from 91 hours per week and up to and including 119 hours
• Band 3: from 61 hours per week and up to and including 90 hours per week
• Band 2: 31 hours per week and up to and including 60 hours per week
• Band 1: Up to and including 30 hours per week

In addition to increased flexibility, the new system offers a range of enhanced benefits for On-Call Firefighters:

• Flexible commitment: On-Call Firefighters can serve their communities while maintaining other employment, and a healthy work-life balance 
• Paid compensation: On-Call Firefighters earn money for training, drills, callouts as well as an annual retainer fee 
• Personal development:Gain valuable emergency response skills and access professional training and certifications
• Career progression: Becoming an On-Call Firefighter could be the first step in a Wholetime Firefighting career, or a career within another emergency services