Posted: Thursday 8 September 2022, 16:12
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has marked the end of training for 14 new Firefighters who will now begin their careers at fire stations across the county.
Joined by family and friends of the newly qualified Firefighters, Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), Rob Taylor hosted today's pass out ceremony to celebrate and mark their achievement with the presentation of certificates, special awards, and operational displays for the assembled guests.
Speaking following the ceremony DCFO Taylor said: “It is always an honour to see trainee Firefighters complete their initial training; an exciting time as they take the next step in their fire service career as Firefighters in development on fire stations across Derbyshire.
“While their initial training is complete, the next two years will see each of them undergo a period of development, gaining valuable experience dealing with the wide range of incidents the Service attends, and carrying out a range of community engagement activity to support the Service’s vision of Making Derbyshire Safer Together.
“The last 14 weeks of training will undoubtedly have been tough as they have each faced new experiences and learned new skills that will support their careers for years to come. It would be remiss of me to mention their training and not acknowledge our dedicated operational training team who have provided guidance and support to the trainees while ensuring they are ready to face the challenges they will encounter as a Firefighter. Similarly, I must also acknowledge the team behind the scenes responsible for recruitment and selection, without whom we would not be here celebrating today.
“As each of our new trainees leave the training centre, I wish them all well and look forward to following their careers.”
The 11 Firefighters passing out are from Wholetime Course 112 which concluded today, and three are from Wholetime and On-Call Courses that were completed in 2021 during the Covid pandemic.
At the end of each trainee Firefighter course three special awards are presented.
The Teamwork Award - This is presented to the trainee Firefighter who has given help and support to the other trainees, probably at times away from the gaze of instructors. This award is voted for by the trainees themselves.
The Technical Award – This award is presented to the trainee who has achieved the highest combined mark in all their technical exams.
Silver Axe – The Silver Axe is presented to the trainee who has consistently achieved a high standard in both the technical and practical aspects of the course from the first day. They have also shown a high level of commitment and teamwork, displaying an excellent attitude and work ethic.
Picture 1: Firefighters from wholetime course 110, 112 and On-Call Course 1-21
Picture 2: L-R. Firefighter Imogen Trinder (Buxton Station)– Technical Award Winner Course 112
Firefighter Adam Mears (Glossop Station) – Silver Axe Winner Course 112
Firefighter Christopher Day (Chesterfield Station) – Teamwork Award Winner Course 112
Picture 3: L-R. Firefighter Jenson Hallam (Shirebrook Station) – Teamwork Award Winner On-Call Course 1/12
Firefighter George Ramplin (Long Eaton) – Silver Axe Winner Wholetime Course 110