Ten apprentice firefighters are set to begin their life on fire stations around County Durham and Darlington – after proudly completing their initial training.
The group have today (Friday) completed a seven-month-long initial training programme and celebrated with a special pass out event.
They showcased their newfound skills in the form of three drill exercises, that saw them - successfully fight a fire, cut a casualty out of a car and perform a building rescue in full breathing apparatus – all in front of their proud families.
Meanwhile, three apprentices were recognised with special awards in honour of their hard work and skills.
Firefighter Arran Dixon received the Firefighter’s Firefighter Award, after being voted as the most supportive and encouraging firefighter by his fellow cohort.
Firefighter Adam Barrass received the Best BA Wearer Award, an award bestowed to the firefighter with the overall best breathing apparatus technique.
And winner of the Silver Axe – an award given to the best overall performing firefighter – went to firefighter Emma Robson-Parrot.
Proud, Chief Fire Officer of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) Steve Helps said: “Today’s passing out ceremony is the culmination of seven months of hard work and dedication.
“Every single one of our apprentices has proven themselves as an undeniable asset to CDDFRS and I know they will all go on to do great things within our service.
“Here at CDDFRS we recognise the value that apprenticeships bring and we’re proud to be recognised nationally as 26th in the Top 100 UK employers of apprentices and look forward to welcoming a new cohort of firefighters later this year.”
Chair of the Combined Fire Authority Councillor John Shuttleworth said: “This is now the seventh cohort of firefighter apprentices we have welcomed since 2017 and it’s amazing to see so many of them go on to make such an outstanding contribution to CDDFRS. I have no doubt this cohort will do the same. Good luck to each of them in their future.”
