THE ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 18 new firefighters into the service this month following the conclusion of their apprenticeships.
The service held a graduation ceremony on Friday, November 1, at Maidenhead Fire Station, attended by the graduates and their family and friends, as well as Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer; Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; and Mr Alexander Barfield, High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire.
The graduates demonstrated some of the skills they have learnt during their initial training course, including performing a rescue from height in teams, extinguishing a fire while wearing breathing apparatus, and extricating a ‘casualty’ trapped in a car.
Two special awards were also presented during the ceremony, with the Endeavour Award presented to Firefighter John Smith by the High Sheriff, for being the firefighter demonstrating the most effort to improve during the course.
The Silver Axe was presented to firefighter Marlon Rush by the Chief Fire Officer for being the recruit who performed to the highest standards during the course.
Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to formally welcome our 18 newest Wholetime Firefighters into the Service. After months of hard work in training, the Graduation Ceremony was a great way to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family.
“Whilst their initial training is now complete, the Ceremony marks just the beginning of their journey as Firefighters.
“In taking up their roles, they will continue our proud commitment to serving our communities.
“I know our new Graduates will make us proud as they work to protect the people of Royal Berkshire.”
Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “I was delighted to welcome to the Service our latest group of Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices, the fifth cohort since the apprenticeship began in 2022.
“Whilst our apprentices come from many different walks of life, they all have one thing in common–none of them had any prior firefighting experience before beginning their training in July.
“Now, they stand ready to serve the community, and I am pleased that they have chosen to begin their firefighting careers here in Berkshire.”
More information about becoming a firefighter in Berkshire is available via: rbfrs.co.uk
