Seven recruits are taking on a new position within County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
Seven apprentice firefighters from County Durham are starting new careers after undergoing five months of intensive training. A former bricklayer, electrician and personal trainer are among the recruits taking on a new position within the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
Chosen from hundreds of applicants for the coveted positions, they have learned life-saving skills such as water rescue, trauma care, working at height and dealing with road traffic collisions. On Thursday, their family and friends witnessed a special ceremony which saw the group pass out officially as firefighters.
The event saw the new recruits showcase their training by carrying out three drills, including successfully fighting a fire, cutting a casualty out of a car and performing a casualty rescue in full breathing apparatus. Also, three recruits were recognised with special awards in honour of their hard work and growth.
- Firefighter Daley Clarke received the Recruits’ Recruit Award, after he was voted as the most supportive and encouraging firefighter by his fellow cohort.
- Firefighter Luke Roberts received the Silver Axe, an award given to the best overall performing firefighter.
- Firefighter Caitlin Elliott-Foster received the Best BA Wearer Award, an award presented to the firefighter who has demonstrated the greatest level of skill while in breathing apparatus.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: “I would like to congratulate our seven new apprentice firefighters. They have demonstrated tremendous hard work and dedication throughout their training and will be a real asset to our Service.
“I wish every single one of them the very best as they start working on fire stations across County Durham and Darlington. I know they will do themselves, their families and communities proud.”
Councillor Paul Sexton, Chair of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “Being a firefighter is a job like no other which provides daily opportunities to make your community a safer place to live. CDDFRS is a fantastic Service and I wish the new recruits the very best in their careers.”
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