The group of 14 had been through a rigorous application process, fitness test and interview before they arrived back in January at the start of Learning and Development’s T1-24 course.
Once again the course opened spaces for trainees from a partner fire and rescue service to learn alongside their Hampshire and Isle of Wight colleagues.
Previously trainees from both Guernsey and Jersey have joined the recruits in Eastleigh, and this year there were two representatives from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, hosted by 3SFire.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said:
“It is always a highlight of my role to be able to attend events like today where we celebrate our new firefighters, who have invested so much time and hard work into reaching this milestone in their careers.
“Our graduates would not have made it through the application process and training programme without the support offered by family and friends, and the level of pride they felt for their loved ones today was clear. I am sure that feeling will continue as they take their first steps into a new career which will both challenge and reward them.
“Throughout their time with us our trainees have displayed all the attributes and values we expect from our firefighters every day. They will arrive on station ready to help make life safer across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
The recruits spent 17 weeks learning the skills that a 21st century firefighter needs to be armed with when out protecting the community, from operational skills, to the delivery of prevention messaging to the public.
Alongside time spent in the lecture theatre becoming experts in fire science, the brand-new firefighters faced many hours out on the drill yard being put through their paces with hose reels, ladders and breathing apparatus.
Split into two squads, red squad and green squad were taught about all the various types of incidents modern firefighters can be tasked with beyond fires. From road traffic collisions to hazmat incidents, our crews need to be prepared for whatever call-outs they could be responding to.
Station Manager for Learning and Development, Lacey Plumbley said:
“I am incredibly proud of the journey our trainees have been on over the past 17 weeks, and indeed before that when they took their first steps on this hugely exciting and rewarding career path.
“Our Learning and Development team have once again delivered a programme of learning which has helped shape our trainees into modern-day firefighters, who are now prepared to make join their new teammates on station and make a positive impact on our communities.”
Having celebrated the completion of their initial training, the firefighters will now join up with their new teams on station where they will continue their development.
Over on the Isle of Wight, Harrison Matthews will be joining Newport’s Red Watch, whilst Lewis Evans will be helping to protect the Island with Ryde’s Blue Watch.
Returning to the Isle of Man as fully fledged firefighters will be Lee Stennett and silver axe award winner Jamie Kirkham, who will be responding to incidents from Douglas Fire Station.
Working out of the two Portsmouth stations will be Joshua Lovelock, with Southsea’s Green Watch, and Cain Johnson, with Cosham’s White Watch.
Southampton city centre fire station, St Mary’s will be welcoming Samuel Hewson and Henry Taunton to their crews.
In the north of Hampshire, Lucas Wicks, Christopher Richardson and Jack Gover will be beginning their firefighting careers at Basingstoke, whilst Samuel Martin will be joining the White Watch ranks at Rushmoor.
The Red Watch team at Fareham will be riding their fire engine with new recruit Jerome Gandy, whilst the Hightown crew will be making life safer with Joe Moore.
Our firefighters love to support charities close to their hearts and as is traditional with our trainee courses, they are tasked with organising and taking on a huge fundraising challenge.
This year’s recruits took on a mountainous mission, climbing Butser Hill wearing full fire kit, on Saturday, one of the hottest days of the year!
Smashing their target, the recruits have so far raised more than £2,000 to support The Fire Fighters Charity and George’s Rockstars, a charity set up in memory of a six-year-old boy, which works in hospitals to help children smile through the power of music therapy.
There is still time for you to show your support for the trainees’ fundraiser and donate to their fantastic causes.
Sign up to our email alerts to be the first to know about future career opportunities – https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHANTSFIRE/subscriber/new.
