TWFRS grows frontline workforce

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 16 new firefighters after they successfully completed an intensive 15-week training programme.

The recruits graduated during a passing out ceremony at the service’s headquarters in Washington, attended by family, friends, colleagues and civic representatives.

Over the course of their training, the firefighters completed more than 600 hours of practical and theoretical learning, covering areas including tactical firefighting, breathing apparatus, road traffic collision response, trauma care, pumps and ladders.

Three recruits were recognised with individual awards during the ceremony.

Firefighter Vanessa Campbell received the Trainees’ Trainee Award; firefighter Connor Fenton was presented with The George Maddox Trophy; and firefighter Daisy Hunter received The Silver Axe.

The group also raised £1627 for The Fire Fighters Charity after completing a sponsored run between service headquarters and Penshaw Monument.

Chief fire officer Stewart Nicholson said: “It never ceases to amaze me the amount of passion and desire that our firefighter recruits show every day throughout the training programme. 

“Their enthusiasm and commitment will ensure that residents across Tyne and Wear are kept safe from harm in the local community as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their career with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.  

“They will also serve as outstanding role models for our fire cadets and other young people who are looking to enter the profession.

“The public rightly looks to the fire and rescue service in terms of education, prevention and in their time of greatest need, response to emergencies. 

“I have no doubt that our newest trainee firefighters graduating this week will uphold and drive to deliver on that responsibility.”

The newly qualified firefighters will now begin their operational careers at community fire stations across Tyne and Wear, where they will continue their professional development through a two-year apprenticeship programme while serving communities across the region.

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