The recruits marked the end of their 17-week intensive training course with the Learning and Development team and are now set to join their new crews on stations across Hampshire and Isle of Wight where they will continue their development.
Since their first day back in August the squad have been taught the skills of a modern-day firefighter.
From running out hose reels to pitching ladders, experiencing live fire and performing RTC rescues, the graduates have been put through their paces to ensure they are prepared to embark on a career often dubbed as ‘the best job in the world.’
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said:
“Once again it is a great privilege to be able to welcome new people into our fire service family.
“These graduates have been through a rigorous application process and training programme, and they now find themselves starting upon an exciting new career which will both challenge and reward them.
“Throughout their time with our Learning and Development team, our recruits have displayed all the attributes we expect from our firefighters. They will arrive on station ready to help make life safer across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
Having previously trained recruits from Jersey, the Learning and Development team were able this time to welcome trainees from Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service, who were supported by 3SFire during their time with HIWFRS.
Despite a busy schedule of classroom and drill yard learning, the tight-knit group found time to organise a charity fundraiser along with their trainers.
To celebrate their strong links with Guernsey, the group decided to cycle the 115-mile distance between Hampshire and the Channel island to raise valuable funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Re:Minds.
One Saturday morning in October the team took their exercise bikes down to Fratton Park, the home of Portsmouth FC for their match against Port Vale and were able to raise more than £1,500.
Learning and Development Station Manager Lacey Plumbley said:
“In their short time with us our graduates have been trained on how we tackle fires, respond to road collisions, provide medical care and deliver vital safety messaging.
“They have demonstrated the values and behaviours we expect from our people and I have no doubt they will arrive on station ready to work closely with their new crews.
“I want to thank our team within Learning and Development, who have delivered an excellent programme which has moulded our trainees into the professional firefighters they are today.”
The Learning and Development team recently opened their brand new live fire unit at the Eastleigh Headquarters.
A world away from their previous careers, our graduates are now set to arrive at their new stations where they will develop their knowledge and skills as operational firefighters.
Familiar with saving lives is Jordan Paddon, a lifeboat crew member, who will also be working alongside Southsea’s Red Watch. Across the city in Cosham, Green Watch will be welcoming Sam Ellis to the team.
Harry Chandler, an Emergency Care Assistant with our SCAS partners, and Calum Yates, a British Transport Police Officer, will be switching blue light services to join the ranks at Basingstoke’s Green Watch and Fareham’s White Watch respectively.
Saving lives across Southampton will be former Outdoor Activities Lecturer Joe Farley, as he joins his new Blue Watch crew at Hightown.
Working with colleagues from Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service, and supported by 3SFire, former Police Officer Ben Moon-Batiste and ex-lifeguard Jack Hoskins also graduated as firefighters, and will now return to the Channel Island, responding to fire calls on their new watches at Arsenal Road Fire Station.
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