A recruitment drive in March of this year generated more than 1,700 applications.
Following fitness tests and an interview stage, those lucky enough to make it through the process began their intense 13-week programme back in September.
Alongside classroom-based theory sessions, the trainees took to the headquarters drill yard in Eastleigh, where they were taught everything from hoses and ladders to safe working at height and hazardous material practices.
Family and friends were invited to the graduation ceremony to mark the special milestone in their loved ones brand-new career.
The audience were treated to demonstrations of the firefighters’ newly taught skills, before speeches, certificate presentations and the awarding of the George Brown trophy, given to the top performing recruit. This year the trophy was presented to Mate Harmath.
Delivering a congratulatory speech to the graduates was Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who was overseeing the first wholetime graduation ceremony following her appointment. She said:
“Today is an important milestone for our new firefighters as they celebrate their graduation before embarking on an exciting fire service career which can take you down many different avenues.
“Having played a vital role in the journey of their loved ones, it is wonderful to see the proud families here to show their support.
“Throughout their training programme our graduates have become valued members of our organisation, as well as having demonstrated their professionalism, and dedication to making life safer for our communities.”
Firefighter Heather Godman said:
“The last 13 weeks has been a brilliant experience, getting to know our amazing trainers, and learning alongside a great group of people.
“We came together and supported each other through some challenging parts of the training.
“I’m now excited to get out to my new station, meet my new crew and start making a difference out in the community.”
The group completed a long-standing tradition for our trainee courses, when they undertook a fundraising charity challenge, raising more than £1,700. Back in November the recruits ran, cycled and rowed 190km, the distance between all our wholetime fire stations, at Whiteley shopping centre.
Firefighter Cameron Cooke said:
“Standing here today graduating as a qualified firefighter, it feels like a lifetime ago that I made the decision to swap careers and submit my initial application.
“It has been a long journey but an incredibly rewarding one, and a step I’m so glad I made.”
Swapping blue light services, former police detective Neil Wortley will be serving at Southsea alongside electrician Craig Newson, who said he was looking for a career where every day is different.
RAF firefighter, Jack Piper is going wholetime at Hightown, whilst former landscape gardener Morgan Bond will be stationed at Rushmoor.
Having served in the army, Martin Frampton, Alex Maine and Jack Smy will be based at Fareham, Rushmoor and Basingstoke respectively.
Former volleyball player Cameron Cooke said it was his childhood dream to become a firefighter, and he will be fulfilling that dream when he joins up with Cosham’s Red Watch.
Wanting to help those in need and give back to the community is Curtis Gooch at Hightown.
Prison workers Heather Godman and Mate Harmath will be fighting fires with Basingstoke’s Green and Blue watches.
Musician Joe Ingle will be responding to incidents on St Mary’s’ Green Watch, whilst former student Chloe Stemmet will be on Blue Watch.
And Southsea will be welcoming Josh Bisset and Chloe Williams onto Blue and Green watches.
Think you have what it takes to be a firefighter? Find out if it’s the role for you.
