Passing Out Parade

GMFRS’s welcomes 24 new firefighters ready to protect communities


Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has proudly welcomed its newest cohort of firefighters, now stationed at community fire stations across Greater Manchester to protect our communities, at its latest Pass Out Parade of 2025.

The event took place on Wednesday (28 May) at GMFRS’ state-of-the-art Training and Safety Centre in Bury, to officially mark the completion of initial operational training for the 24-strong team.

Family and friends joined the celebrations, watching with pride as their loved ones carried out practical demonstrations and received their certificates.

(L-R) Samantha Fleck who won the Academic and Silver Axe Awards, Samuel Noar who won the Fitness Award and Cerys Griffiths who won the ‘Stephen Hunt’ Endeavour Award.
(L-R) Samantha Fleck who won the Academic and Silver Axe Awards, Samuel Noar who won the Fitness Award and Cerys Griffiths who won the ‘Stephen Hunt’ Endeavour Award.
Trainee GMFRS firefighters
GMFRS' newest cohort of firefighters at their Pass Out Parade

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Dave Russel presented each firefighter with their Passing Out certificate, marking the successful completion of their initial training course.

The event was also attended by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, representing the King who presented the academic achievement award.

Firefighters with a ladder at the Training and Safety Centre in Bury
The parade took place at the Training and Safety Centre in Bury

Several individual awards were presented to stand out firefighters as follows:

  • The ‘Stephen Hunt’ Endeavour award was presented to Cerys Griffiths
  • The Academic award was presented to Samantha Fleck
  • The Fitness award was presented to Samuel Noar
  • The Silver Axe award was presented to Samantha Fleck

The new firefighters will now embark on the next phase of their fire service journey with GMFRS and have been posted to our community fire stations where their apprenticeship training will continue until they become fully qualified firefighters.

The two-year apprenticeship has been developed nationally to help them gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable them to become competent, modern-day firefighters.

Following an end point assessment, the trainee firefighters will gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Are you interested in becoming a firefighter in Greater Manchester? If so, head to GMFRS’ website to find out more: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/the-recruitment-process/

Article Published: 29/05/2025 14:53 PM