FATHER and daughter firefighters are calling on others to “give it a go” and serve their communities as on-call firefighters.

Over the years, Wilton fire station has seen fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, brothers and cousins but it can now lay claim to its first father and daughter in Jim and Charlotte Twomey.

With nearly 44 years of service, Jim is Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s longest serving firefighter, having joined the then Wiltshire Fire Brigade in December 1973.

As a self-employed taxi driver, the 62-year-old juggles his business with fire calls, training and running the station. He has been watch manager in charge of Wilton for the last 32 years.

His youngest daughter Charlotte, a 24-year-old care assistant, joined the fire service in April and is now in her development phase as a firefighter. She said: “At first, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it, especially with the fitness requirements, but I worked hard, had lots of support, and made it through. Knowing that you can help people is an amazing feeling, and you never know what the next call will bring. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Recruitment events are being held across south Wiltshire this month. There will be a stand outside the Guildhall in Salisbury on Tuesday (November 14) from 9am until 2pm.

Further events are being held at Salisbury fire station on November 20, 7pm-9pm, Amesbury fire station on November 27, 7pm-9pm, and Wilton fire station, 10am-2pm. They are a chance for anyone interested to get hands-on experience and ask all the questions ahead of applying.

Jim said: “Every on-call station wants to have a crew available 24/7, so if we can get as many people as possible, that takes the pressure off everyone.

“Being involved in your community as a firefighter is a tremendous opportunity, I certainly wouldn’t have stayed for over 40 years if it wasn’t.”

For more information go to dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters.