A former bricklayer, electrician and personal trainer are among seven new apprentice firefighters set to start work at fire stations across County Durham and Darlington.
The new recruits on apprentice Cohort 8 were chosen from hundreds of applicants for the coveted job with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).
They have completed five months of intensive training where they learned life-saving skills such as water rescue, trauma care, working at height and dealing with road traffic collisions.
And today (October 2) the group have officially passed out as firefighters during a special ceremony in front of their family and friends.
The event saw the new recruits showcase their training by carrying out three drills which included successfully fighting a fire, cutting a casualty out of a car and performing a casualty rescue in full breathing apparatus.
Meanwhile, three recruits were recognised with special awards in honour of their hard work and skills.
Firefighter Daley Clarke received the Recruits’ Recruit Award after being voted as the most supportive and encouraging firefighter by his fellow cohort.
Firefighter Luke Roberts also 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 shown the greatest level of skill demonstrated in BA.
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.”
