GMFRS’s newest firefighters ready to protect communities
|
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has welcomed its
latest apprentice firefighters, who are now on the run at community
fire stations across the city-region to protect our
communities. Two Pass Out Parades took place on
Thursday (January 16) at GMFRS' state-of-the-art Training and
Safety Centre in Bury, to officially mark the 48-strong team
completing their initial operational training. Family and
friends joined the celebrations as the new...Request free trial
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has welcomed its latest apprentice firefighters, who are now on the run at community fire stations across the city-region to protect our communities. Two Pass Out Parades took place on Thursday (January 16) at GMFRS' state-of-the-art Training and Safety Centre in Bury, to officially mark the 48-strong team completing their initial operational training. Family and friends joined the celebrations as the new firefighters took part in practical demonstrations showcasing new skills they learned over their intense 18-week course. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Dave Russel presented each firefighter with their Passing Out certificate, and along with several GMFRS colleagues each event was attended by a representative of the King. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL joined the morning session, with Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins JP LLB attending the afternoon session; both presented the academic achievement award new firefighters. A number of individual awards were handed to the new firefighters as follows:
GMFRS CFO Dave Russel said: “Our latest apprentice firefighters have demonstrated that they are up for the challenge, can meet expectations, and they will be a fantastic addition to our organisation. I know our new firefighters have put a lot of time, effort and dedication into the intense training course and it is a brilliant accomplishment to become a firefighter at GMFRS. “I hope that our new firefighters share the pride in their achievements that will be felt by their friends, families and new colleagues across Greater Manchester. It doesn't stop here, it starts here, and we will do as much as we can to support them in their fire and rescue service journey. “I am confident our new firefighters will serve and protect their community with absolute distinction.” The new firefighters will now embark on the next phase of their fire service journey and have been posted to our community fire stations to complete their firefighting apprenticeship. The two-year apprenticeship has been developed nationally to help them gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable them to become competent, modern-day firefighters. Following an end point assessment, the trainee firefighters will gain a nationally recognised qualification. Notes to editors Are you interested in becoming a firefighter in Greater Manchester? If so, head to GMFRS' website to find out more: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/the-recruitment-process/ Notes to editors: The ‘Stephen Hunt' Endeavour Award This award is named after Firefighter Stephen Hunt, who tragically passed away in July 2013 while serving the community of Greater Manchester. The award represents commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn; attributes that Stephen demonstrated throughout his life. Firstly, as a member of the Armed Forces and then as a Firefighter at Philips Park Fire Station. The award is presented to the trainee firefighter who has demonstrated those qualities throughout the Initial Firefighter Training course. The award consists of a shield with each recipient's name engraved upon it and is on permanent display within the reception of the Training and Safety Centre. Academic Achievement Award The award is presented to the trainee firefighter who has consistently demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement during the Initial Firefighter Training course. Donated by former County Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Greater Manchester, Barry Dixon QFSM, MIFireE, the award consists of a shield with each recipient's name engraved upon it and is on permanent display within the reception of the Training and Safety Centre. Fitness Award An integral part of being able to perform the role of a firefighter safely and effectively is the maintenance of physical health and fitness. Fitness is measured in terms of aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and endurance specific to the firefighter role. The award is presented to the trainee firefighter who has consistently demonstrated the highest level of overall physical fitness during the Initial Firefighter Training course. The award consists of a silver cup with each recipient's name engraved upon it and is on permanent display within the reception of the Training and Safety Centre. The Silver Axe – The Best Trainee Firefighter Award The Silver Axe award is a long-standing tradition across UK Fire and Rescue Services and is presented by the Chief Fire Officer to the trainee firefighter who, in the eyes of the training staff, has demonstrated and maintained exemplary standards in all aspects throughout the Initial Firefighter Training course. The award consists of a plated firefighter's axe with GMFRS badge mounted on a hardwood plinth with each recipient's name engraved upon it and is on permanent display within the reception of the Training and Safety Centre. |