At any time the Thirroul fire captain's mobile phone or pager could sound, calling him to dramatic, dangerous and sometimes deadly emergencies.

As a veteran retained firefighter with 33 years' service, Mr Privett said he couldn't think of a better way to serve his community.

"You attend a variety of calls - fire calls, house fires, car fires, rescue, Hazmat," he said.

"We also educate school kids and talk to seniors' groups and community groups about fire safety and fire alarms - there's lots of community-based things you can get into."

Although emergencies could happen at any time, as a school teacher Mr Privett responds to calls only after business hours.

He said employers did get a say whether their workers could attend business-hour calls and the job would be ideal for tradies.

"If they're a builder or a sparky or a plumber, if they can go (to calls) at any time it would really suit them," he said.

"People who are self-employed or if you're a shift worker, it would be ideal."

Albion Park Rail, Corrimal, Scarborough, Shellharbour and Thirroul fire stations are recruiting retained firefighters to be on call from home or work to respond to fires and other emergencies.

NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner Greg Mullins said retained firefighters were crucial in giving communities fire protection.

"They are trained and equipped to deal with the same emergencies as permanent firefighters and are dedicated and passionate about what they do," he said.

For information about becoming a retained firefighter call 4224 2041 or visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au.