Both Red and Green squads from this year’s intake, known as T1-23, were presented with their certificates from Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin at Service Headquarters in Eastleigh.
The graduates commenced their training with the Learning and Development team back in February, where they undertook a programme which has prepared them for life as 21st-century firefighters.
Now skilled in the art of running out hoses, ladder drills and wearing breathing apparatus sets, the 13 firefighters are also trained to perform Immediate Emergency Care and deliver safety messages to their communities.
Station Manager for Learning and Development, Lacey Plumbley said:
“Today our firefighters are required to provide emergency medical care and deliver important safety messaging, as well as tackle fires and rescue casualties.
“Over the last 17 weeks our trainees have gone on an incredible journey together, displaying great professionalism and skill in order to reach this stage of their careers.
“I would like to thank our Learning and Development team, who have worked tirelessly to deliver a programme which has shaped our trainees into the firefighters they are today, ready to join their new teams on station in living our organisation’s values, and making life safer for our communities.”
During their time with L&D the trainees took on a recruit’s course tradition, a charity fundraiser.
Suffering the gruelling heat in full fire kit, the trainees climbed their ladders to surpass the height of Mount Everest.
Collectively they climbed the drill tower at SHQ more than 1,000 times, raising almost £2,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said:
“Today is a huge milestone in the careers of our trainees as they graduate to become our new firefighters.
“I witnessed firsthand the phenomenal character and standards which they display when I joined them on their charity fundraiser challenge last week.
“Today’s graduates are ready to demonstrate our Service’s values within our communities, working with their new teams on station they will be making life safer for people across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
In a world away from their previous careers our newest firefighters have been assigned to a station across Hampshire and Isle of Wight where they will develop their knowledge as operational firefighters.
Building a new career with Basingstoke’s Red Watch is former construction manager, Dean Vincent.
Swapping the checkout for the fireground is new Gosport firefighter, Jake Bowers.
David Lewis has crossed the border from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, to serve on Hightown’s Blue Watch.
Helping to keep the city of Southampton safe alongside his new St Mary’s Green Watch colleagues, will be Lloyd Hammett who is leaving behind his career as a graphic design manager.
From cutting hair to cutting people out of cars, former barber Jenna Godleman is joining White Watch at Rushmoor Fire Station.
Working with his new crew at Green Watch in Ryde, former prison guard Danny Woodford will be helping to keep the Isle of Wight safe.
Staying in the emergency services is former police officer Jack Molyneux, who is being welcomed onto Redbridge’s White Watch.
Former teachers Leo Wall, who taught Spanish, and Josh Moors, who taught swimming, will soon be joining Cosham on Green and Red Watch respectively.
Also joining Cosham is Freddie Pearce who will be responding to incidents with the station’s Blue Watch.
Once again the Learning and Development team welcomed three recruits onto the course from Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.
Former sky-dive instructor Alastair Lambotte, technician Ashley McDonald and ex-Bondi Beach lifeguard Jonathon Tipping have been supported by 3SFire as they completed their training alongside their HIWFRS colleagues and will now return to Jersey as fully skilled firefighters.
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