FIRE RESCUE NSW HUNTER REPORT
Firefighting has one of the lowest staff turnover rates amongst all professions. Asked why, firefighters state several factors.
First, firefighters report a high level of job satisfaction.
Providing an essential public service and helping out those in need, often in difficult circumstances, is extremely rewarding and delivers a strong sense of self-worth.
Firefighters are appreciative of their standing in the community and work hard to ensure they provide an excellent service to the public.
Second, the camaraderie among firefighters makes it a pleasure to go to work. It’s like being part of a big family.
Often firefighters will socialise together outside of work hours, and look out for each other in tough times.
Third, there is an adrenaline rush when arriving at a major incident where your actions could quite literally make the difference between life and death.
Knowing you have saved a life or protected someone’s house from destruction is gratifying.
Finally, the variety of callouts that firefighters attend, keeps the work interesting and means firefighters are always learning new skills. There is simply no normal day when turning up for a shift.
Apart from responding to emergencies, firefighters also must check and test equipment daily, undertake pre-incident plans at sites, provide fire education, check hydrants in the station area, conduct home fire safety checks and a multitude of other tasks.
Ralph Smith, leading firefighter
