Six new on-call firefighters pass out in Derbyshire ceremony

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed six new on-call firefighters following a pass-out ceremony celebrating the successful completion of their training.

The ceremony, held on Sunday 8 March, also recognised two newly qualified industrial firefighters from Rolls-Royce, who trained alongside the recruits as part of a new joint training programme.

The event was hosted by Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Mick Sharman, and was attended by the firefighters’ family and friends.

Training success celebrated

The ceremony marked the completion of several weeks of intensive training for the firefighters, known as course 1-26, and included certificate presentations, special awards and operational demonstrations.

Speaking afterwards, CFO/CE Sharman said:

A pass out ceremony is a special occasion as we celebrate our newest on-call firefighters and industrial firefighter colleagues at Rolls-Royce. Today marks the beginning of the next phase of their careers in fire response, safety and emergency preparedness.

Whether as an on-call firefighter or as a member of Rolls-Royce’s Emergency Response Team, undertaking such a role would not be possible without the support of family, therefore it has been an honour to welcome all those passing out and their loved ones to such an event.

Each new recruit has received the highest possible level of training, and I am confident this will stand them in good stead as they work collectively to Make Derbyshire Safer Together.

The six firefighters will now serve communities at stations across the county, including Glossop, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Shirebrook and Swadlincote.

Meanwhile, the newly qualified industrial firefighters will strengthen the Rolls-Royce Emergency Response Team in Derby, improving emergency preparedness and coordination with the fire service.

Emergency Rescue Unit Team Leader at Rolls-Royce, Roy Reynolds also attended the pass-out ceremony, he said:

Our long-term joint training programme is designed to ensure a quicker, more coordinated response if an incident should occur, safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment.

Special awards presented

Several awards were presented at the end of the course:

• Teamwork Award: Zoe Gallagher

• Silver Axe: Jacob Gentle-Parker

• Gavin Tomlinson Outstanding Operational Knowledge: Zoe Hodkinson

• Rob Taylor Outstanding Breathing Apparatus (BA) Wearer Award: Zoe Hodkinson

Two of the awards were introduced this year in memory of former Chief Fire Officers Gavin Tomlinson and Rob Taylor, who both passed away last year.

The awards are sponsored by PBI Performance Products, a manufacturer known for its flame-resistant protective fabrics used by firefighters around the world.

On-call pass-out ceremony. Credit: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service

On-call pass-out ceremony. Credit: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service