This afternoon we welcomed a brand-new group of firefighters who celebrated the completion of their initial training with a graduation ceremony in front of family and friends at our Eastleigh Headquarters.
The event marked the end of the 17-week training programme delivered by our Learning and Development team, during which our trainees honed and showcased their firefighting ability after successfully passing a rigorous and thorough interview and application process.
From mastering breathing apparatus techniques to road traffic collision skills, dealing with hazardous materials and learning theory around the behaviour of fire, it has been a steep learning curve for the recruits of the T2-24 course, working their way to being 21st century firefighters.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shantha Dickinson said:
“It is always an honour to welcome new people into our fire service family and congratulate them on the journey they’ve been on to reach this milestone, as they get set to embark upon an exciting career ahead of them as a firefighter.
“Today our firefighters are prepared to respond to incidents beyond fires and car crashes, they are also equipped with medical response skills, and trained to deliver vital prevention safety messaging.
“The recruits who graduate today are ready to arrive at their new stations, represent our organisation amongst our communities, uphold our values and behaviours, and make life safer across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
The group also found time to organise a charity fundraiser which saw them walk the Great South Run route in Portsmouth during Storm Darragh.
Smashing their target, they raised more than £1,000 for George’s Rockstars and The Fire Fighters Charity.
Station Manager for Learning and Development, Lee Wood said:
“Our trainees have been on an incredible journey over the past 17 weeks from when they first arrived with us, and indeed before that when they took their very first steps on this exciting and rewarding career path.
“The Learning and Development team have delivered another course designed to shape our trainees into the modern-day firefighters, who are now ready to join their stations and make a positive impact on our communities.”
Dental nurse Emily Patron will cut her teeth as a firefighter with her watch at Rushmoor!
St Mary’s is about to get a whole lot sportier with football coach Jake Wigley and racehorse rider Eleanor Cordwell joining the station.
Swapping the classroom for the drillyard is former secondary school teacher Harry Pernia.
George Gosden, who picked up the George Brown trophy, will be helping to keep the Isle of Wight safe with his new Ryde crew.
Responding to incidents across Portsmouth and beyond is Aron Wolverson at Southsea, and Caroline McGuigan and Samuel Cokes at the brand-new Cosham Fire Station.
The HIWFRS Learning and Development team were able to welcome three recruits from Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service to conduct their training and return to the Channel Island as fully qualified firefighters.
This arrangement was once again supported by the team at 3SFire.
Benjamin Solway, Alfie Hollowell and Joseph Joyce will be flying home to respond to incidents out of Guernsey Fire Station.
To keep up to date with the latest firefighter recruitment information follow our social media channels or visit the Careers section of our website.