Following a successful recruitment drive and thorough application process in 2021, eight female candidates were offered a place on the course, more than ever before.
The campaign focused on the importance of firefighters engaging with the community to share vital safety messages, as well as highlighting the life-saving elements of the role.
HIWFRS is committed to promoting the role of a modern-day firefighter to everyone, including those from groups which have been underrepresented in the past.
The graduates began their journey in September when they were split into two squads and welcomed by the HIWFRS Learning and Development team for the first day of training.
The intensive course was packed with both practical and theory-based learning, providing Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s latest group of life-savers, the skills they’ll need when faced with fires, road traffic collisions, water rescues and working at height.
Learning and Development Group Manager Andy Weeks said:
“The role of a firefighter today is vastly different to what it was 10 to twenty years ago. Those beginning their careers now are taught a vast range of new skills suited to the modern fire service.
“Today our firefighters are more community focused than ever before, they are required to provide emergency medical care and deliver important safety messaging, as well as tackle fires and rescue casualties.
“Our graduates have displayed the professionalism and skill we expect of our firefighters and I am sure they will become valued members of their new teams, upholding the standards of our organisation within our communities.
“I would like to thank the Learning and Development team who dedicated so much time and effort to make sure the graduates had the best possible learning experience during their time with us.”
The ceremony at HIWFRS headquarters in Eastleigh saw graduates presented with their certificates by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shantha Dickinson.
DCFO Dickinson said:
“I am delighted to see a record number of female graduates amongst our latest intake of firefighter recruits and offer my congratulations to all those graduating today.
“Our teams continue to work incredibly hard to showcase Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as an organisation which reflects our communities, with a culture that allows our people to thrive.
“This is a momentous day for our new recruits who have all demonstrated our Service values by showing respect, playing their part to support each other, and reaching further to fulfil their ambition of becoming firefighters working to make life safer across our communities.”
Firefighter Annabelle Marsh was awarded the prestigious George Brown Trophy for being the most promising trainee of the course.
She said:
“I was completely shocked to receive it but it’s a very proud moment.
“Training has been a fantastic experience and the course has been amazing. I’m really pleased I went for it. I relish the challenge.”
Watch Manager Dan Joslin said:
“Throughout the course, from the first day all the way through, she was the stand-out trainee. She had bags of enthusiasm but also attention to detail.
“It didn’t matter what she was doing, she never gave up and that is so important. I’m sure she’s going to have a long and successful career in the Service.”
Firefighter Marsh, 26 – a former PE teacher – will be saving lives with Red Watch at Newport Fire Station.
Each of the graduates has now been assigned to a station where they will develop their knowledge as operational firefighters, a world away from their previous careers.
Samantha Batten is swapping her red Royal Mail van for a red fire engine as she joins Green Watch at Southsea, whilst former air traffic management worker, Jack Roster, is set to start with Fareham White Watch.
Former members of the British Army, Aaron Osborne and Matt Leman-Lawrie will be joining Rushmoor Red Watch and St Mary’s White Watch respectively.
Adam Shaw and Chloe Chalk will be responding to incidents from Hightown whilst Angelo Aquilina is joining Eastleigh’s Blue Watch.
Swapping the HIWFRS admin office for the drill yard is Rushmoor Blue Watch’s newest crew member, Emily Hill.
Cosham Fire Station is set to welcome Chloe Shurville and Lizzie Gray.
Aimee Gibson has left behind her role as a care home assistant to put out fires in Southampton with fellow graduate James Barnes as they join Red Watch at St Mary’s.
And in Fareham, Roshana Nagi will be starting her firefighter career on Red Watch, and neighbouring station Gosport, will be welcoming Owen Charlson.
Firefighter Chloe Shurville said:
“The course has been brilliant. Every new module we’ve been taught and the different challenges they bring has seen us develop as firefighters.”
The Service is already in the process of welcoming more eager trainees, with another course set to start in the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, for a period of 72-hours, HIWFRS opened up its latest recruitment window, welcoming applications for wholetime firefighter positions.
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