36 trainee firefighters celebrate their successes at the latest passing out parade

36 TRAINEE firefighters celebrated their successes at the latest Passing Out Parade last week (Thursday, September 6), following an intensive 13-week operational training course.

Dignitaries, families and trainers gathered at the Operational Training Centre to celebrate the recruits’ achievements and to welcome them to the Service.

At the event, the trainee firefighters gave their families insight into how we use the latest technology to save lives by demonstrating a variety scenarios on the training yard, including; extinguishing fires, rescues of a person and CPR.

All of the firefighters were presented with a certificate from the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Sharman Birtles JP DL to mark the end of their operational training.

Four stand-out firefighters on the course were selected and presented with the following individual awards from the new GMFRS Chief Fire Officer, Jim Wallace and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Docx.

• Endeavour award – Dewan Gazi
• Academic award – Aaron Hopwood
• Fitness award – Kieran Stacey
• Silver Axe award – Harrison Reeve

Within their time training, the latest recruits took part in a charity event in a bid to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity. Early last week (September 3) the trainee firefighters took on the ‘Tour de Manc’ which involved a 5 mile walk around Manchester City Centre, wearing full breathing apparatus.

They raised an incredible £2,200 for the charity, with a cheque presented to Cath Palmer of The Fire Fighters Charity at the celebration event.

Closing the ceremony, Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace said: “This is an extremely special day, not only for the recruits, but for the families and friends who are all gathered here today.

“I'm always impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment to the course from trainee firefighters. I hope that you continue to be ambitious, this is just the start of your journey and there is a long way to go but there will be a lot of exciting opportunities along the way.

“I wish you all the very best in your new career with GMFRS and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on your achievements so far.”

This is the second apprenticeship standard course that has been undertaken by trainee firefighters at GMFRS. It is an exciting new opportunity and the recruits will now be posted to fire stations across Greater Manchester to continue their apprenticeship.

Article Published: 19/12/2018 13:30 PM