34 new firefighters celebrate their successes at their passing out parade

TODAY (Thursday, August 29), 34 trainee firefighters celebrated the second Passing Out Parade of 2019 with dignitaries, trainers and their families at the Training and Development Centre in Manchester.

The recruits have been put through their paces during the intensive 17-week training course to prepare them to become competent firefighters. They will now be posted to fire stations across Greater Manchester to continue their two-year apprenticeships.

The event celebrated the trainees’ achievements with a warm welcome to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Attendees watched the apprentice firefighters show their new skills, giving demonstrations on how the service uses the latest technology to save lives. A variety of scenarios took place on the training yard, including extinguishing fires, rescue of a person and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul Griffiths, presented certificates to each firefighter to mark the end of their operational training.

Four special awards were handed out by Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx to stand-out firefighters.

• Endeavour award – apprentice firefighter David Castan
• Academic award – apprentice firefighter Gary Fletcher
• Fitness award – apprentice firefighter Christopher Barnes
• Silver Axe award – apprentice firefighter Vogue Lucas

On Saturday, August 17, the apprentice firefighters took part in a fundraising event at intu Trafford Centre to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

In total, the trainees raised an incredible £4,633.93 by cycling as many 36 mile laps as possible, the equivalent of one loop around the M60 Ring Road. At the celebration, they presented a cheque to Cath Palmer of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Closing the ceremony, Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace said: “Congratulations to each and every one of you. You have achieved so much in your training and you are now equipped with the foundation skills to start your journey as firefighters.

“It is always humbling to come to this celebration and I am filled with an immense sense of pride when I see your enthusiasm and hard work.

“I encourage you to continue learning, maintaining the hunger and desire you currently have to learn more.

“Welcome to GMFRS, I wish you a long career in this organisation.”

Congratulations to all the fantastic recruits. We hope you have a very happy and successful career at GMFRS.

Article Published: 29/08/2019 16:12 PM