Thirteen new wholetime firefighters have celebrated the end of their initial training at a pass out ceremony hosted by Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO) Gavin Tomlinson.
Held at the Services Joint Police and Fire Training Centre in Ripley, todays pass out ceremony marked the end of an intensive 14-week initial training course which covered the Services core values and national code of ethics, community safety, basic fire ground skills, breathing apparatus (BA), fire behaviour training, road traffic collision training, immediate emergency care, safe working at height, and water first responder training.
Following the formal presentation of pass out certificates and special awards, assembled guests which included family and friends of the newly qualified firefighters, and representatives from across Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service who have all supported the recruitment and training of the firefighters, made their way outside for the practical fire ground demonstrations.
Speaking during the event, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson said: “Fourteen weeks ago I had the honour of meeting thirteen new trainee firefighters on day one of their initial training. Today, I have had the honour of marking their success in completing what I know is a challenging yet rewarding training course, and acknowledging the next phase of their fire service careers, as firefighters in development.
“I’m looking forward to following their careers develop as they join fire stations across the county, all supporting the Service’s vision of Making Derbyshire Safer Together.”
Special Awards
At the end of each firefighter trainee course, three special awards are also presented.
The Teamwork Award is presented to the trainee who has given help and support to other members of the team probably at times away from the gaze of the instructors.
The Technical Award is presented to the trainee who has achieved the highest combined mark in all their technical exams.
The Silver Axe is presented to the trainee who has consistently achieved a high standard in both the technical and practical aspects of the course from day one.
- Silver Axe Winner – Firefighter Daniel Foley
- Teamwork Award – Firefighter Mark Roberts
- Technical Award – Firefighter Adam Renison
