Posted: Monday 20 February 2023, 09:41
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has marked the end of training for nine new On-call firefighters at a pass out ceremony attended by their family and friends.
Following six weeks of training, spread over weekends and some weekdays, the newest additions to the Service were formally recognised and welcomed by Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson on Sunday, 19 February, with a presentation of certificates, special awards, and operational displays for the assembled guests.
Speaking after the ceremony, CFO Tomlinson said: “A pass out ceremony is a special occasion for everyone as we celebrate our newest On-call firefighters and mark the beginning of the next phase of their career with the fire service.
“Becoming an On-call firefighter is a big commitment, being available to respond to a pager at a moment’s notice and attend all manner of emergency incidents – in some cases while still working full time with an agreement to leave from their employer.
“Each of our new firefighters have received the highest possible level of training, guidance and support from our dedicated operational training team, and I am confident this will stand them in good stead as they join fire stations across the county.
“I wish the new recruits every success as they leave the training centre and look forward to watching them as they progress in what I know to be a challenging yet rewarding career.”
The nine new recruits from On-call course 1-23 will now take up posts on fire stations across the county serving Crich, Duffield, Glossop, Wirksworth, Buxton, and Chapel-en-le-Frith.
At the end of each trainee course, there are three special awards 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.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is recruiting On-call firefighters across Derbyshire. For more information about the rewarding role visit https://www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/careers/become-a-firefighter/on-call-firefighter
