Earlier this month we were inundated with wholetime firefighter applications when our recruitment window opened, and for those applicants, this is the end goal, the culmination of initial training where they graduate as qualified firefighters.
The ceremony held at our headquarters in Eastleigh saw graduates welcome their families for demonstrations, speeches, awards and certificate presentations on Thursday afternoon.
The George Brown trophy is awarded to the top performing recruit following each trainee course, and this year it was given to Niah Lewis.
The Learning and Development-led programme saw the trainees split their time between the classroom and drillyard, mastering breathing apparatus, pumps, ladders and hose running along the way.
They were also assessed on the skills they acquired during their medical, hazmat and working at height modules.
Part of the ceremony saw The Fire Fighters Charity presented with a cheque for more than £2,500, which was raised during their ladder climb challenge at Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays, back in June.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ben Allen presented the graduates with their certificates. He said:
“It is a privilege to be here today as we celebrate an important milestone in our new recruits’ journey, as they graduate as firefighters in front of their loved ones.
“They have performed admirably throughout their training, showcasing great determination and commitment, traits which are essential within a firefighter.
“Our newly qualified firefighters are equipped with a wide-ranging skillset that they will utilise at fires, road traffic collisions, medical calls, incidents involving hazardous materials as well as rescues from height.
“Embarking upon an exciting career, our recruits are now ready to arrive at their new stations, where they will represent our organisation amongst our communities, upholding our values and behaviours, and work to make life safer across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
Personal trainer and on-call firefighter, Andrew Cozens, is going wholetime at Basingstoke alongside Christopher Maile and Ian Pink.
With a desire to continue inspiring the next generation, former primary school teacher, Alex Birmingham, will soon be joining up with his new crew at Hightown, whilst across the city in Southampton, Bradlee Hackney and James Raisbeck will serve at St Mary’s.
Callum Blair is swapping saving lives poolside as a lifeguard, for saving lives on the fireground as a firefighter. Callum will be stationed at Rushmoor alongside fellow recruit Matthew Gazzard.
18-year-old Joseph Jones will be responding to call-outs from Southsea, whilst neighbouring Portsmouth station, Cosham, will be welcoming lettings agent Tom Wingham.
Winchester’s Sam Cook has swapped emergency services, having left his career within the police behind to fulfil his dream role as a firefighter.
As part of a partnership with the Ministry of Defence, and supported by the team at 3SFire, Ollie Froud, Ryan Mills, Niah Lewis and Shane Trott completed their firefighter training with our Learning and Development team. They will begin their firefighter careers as AWE firefighters at MOD sites.
We recently welcomed applications to become a wholetime firefighter. For those who applied, you will have received an Arctic Shores assessment via email. This needs to be completed by the end of the day on 23 July, before practical selection tests and interviews take place between August and October.
