This week, (Thursday), 11 new on-call firefighters and one fire control recruit celebrated the end of their training course and the start of their time as serving operational colleagues.
During their pass-out parade, held at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) Headquarters in Kempston, the new on-call firefighter recruits took the opportunity to demonstrate the skills perfected during their training to friends and family.
Training includes basic firecraft, such as using ladders, hoses and jets; road traffic collision response; working at height; water first response; and trauma care.
As an on-call firefighter, their roles will be secondary to their main employment, and they will be required to quickly attend their community fire station whenever an incident occurs.
Each recruit received a certificate from Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson and Fire Authority Chair cllr Jacqui Burnett, who congratulated firefighters, Chapman, Clark, D’Arcy, Edwards, Fricker, Hulland, O’Neil, Peebles, Smith, Thompson-Torn, and Wilkins and fire control recruit Clarey.
Speaking after the event CFO Andy Hopkinson, said: “Both our Fire Authority Chair and I were delighted to welcome our latest cohort of firefighters to their formal passing out ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of their initial training.
“This intake included firefighters who will either be working in our 999 Fire Control or at one of our fire stations crewed by on-call firefighters.
“They have all undertaken intensive initial training, facing complex scenarios and challenges, all designed to equip them with the vital knowledge and skills needed to join their many talented colleagues who keep Bedfordshire safe each and every day of the year.
“They and their loved ones should be rightly proud of their achievement, and I look forward to seeing them develop in their new careers.”
Firefighter Chapman also received the Instructors Award for demonstrating a high standard for both practical and theoretical aptitude as well as showing the highest level of support to their colleagues.
