Firefighter recruits complete training as they become first to join Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in a decade

Newly trained firefighters are ready to protect communities on the frontline after becoming the first recruits to join their service in 10 years.
The new recruits are now ready to join stations across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's area.The new recruits are now ready to join stations across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's area.
The new recruits are now ready to join stations across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's area.

The first firefighters recruit course at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) in almost a decade has drawn to an end this week after 15 weeks of intensive training.

The 23 new starters had their Passing out Parade, with the event a long standing fire service tradition allowing the successful recruits the opportunity to showcase a small selection of their new skills.

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This includes a number of fire ground scenarios and is followed by a presentation of certificates and course awards.

Almost 5,000 aspiring firefighters applied in the first recruitment drive since 2010.

TWFRS's Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther said: “Today we have celebrated the transformation of 23 people into elite firefighters.

“Our firefighters don’t just fight fires and rescue people from road traffic collisions, they play an integral role in our community to help prevent emergencies and accidents occurring in the first place.

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"They also help to educate children on the risks from fire, water and roads.

“Throughout the past 14 weeks our recruits have been put through their paces and been trained at the highest level and their determination and hard work has paid off.

"It’s a proud day not only for the Service but the recruits, the trainers and of course their families who have supported them every step of the way.

"For the 23 who have had their passing out parade – this is not the end but the beginning.”

The cohort of 23 have all been given a job within TWFRS.

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Councillor Barry Curran, chairman of the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority, added: “Huge congratulations to the recruits. It was fantastic to be able to see them put into practice what they have learnt over the past 14 weeks during their drill displays this afternoon.

"I wish them the very best as they continue to learn and develop their firefighting skills within Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.”

In front of friends, family and dignitaries, the 23 demonstrated their skills in three scenarios: a house fire showing a variety of firefighting and rescue techniques; an aircraft incident involving the handling of a crashed light aircraft rescue and a road traffic collision utilising specialist rescue equipment used at road traffic collisions.

Following the demonstrations the recruits were presented with awards:

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*The Dan McCormack trophy was awarded to Annabel Crowther and is awarded to the student with the best theoretical results during the course.

*Lee Rukin received the George Maddox trophy which is awarded to the recruit receiving the highest theoretical and practical Breathing Apparatus (BA) marks. George Maddox a former BA instructor and Station Officer is remembered for his high standards and extensive knowledge in all BA related areas.

*The Sliver Axe award is presented to the recruit with the best theoretical and practical results throughout the course across all disciplines and was also awarded to Lee Rukin.

*Daniel Claridge was awarded the Dusty Ashman Trophy which is presented to the recruit who in the opinion of their fellow course members has made the greatest overall contribution during the 15 weeks of training to become the ‘recruit’s recruit’.

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The recruits will now join their new watches and stations across the Service to start the next stage of their training and development.

The stations they will be deployed to include Sunderland Central, Farringdon, South Shields, Newcastle Central, Byker, Tynemouth and Gateshead.

Recruits station and Watch:

Rachel Ramanayake - Sunderland Central Green Watch

Duncan McLean - Sunderland Central White Watch

Joshua Outtram - Sunderland Central Red Watch

Lee Rukin - Farringdon Green Watch

Annabel Crowther - Farringdon White Watch

Daniel Claridge - Farringdon Blue Watch

Nicholas Armstrong- South Shields Red Watch

Kai Kirkham - South Shields White Watch

Liam O’Neill - Newcastle Central White Watch

Jordan Carling - Newcastle Central Red Watch

Marc Lancaster - Newcastle Central Blue Watch

Daniel Nessfield - Byker Green Watch.

Paul Gregson - Byker Blue Watch

Jake Stephenson - Byker White Watch

Ben Gardner - Byker Red Watch

Paul Fairney - Tynemouth Red Watch

Kyle Shaw - Tynemouth Blue Watch

Jason Finlay - Tynemouth Green Watch

Scott Hope - Tynemouth White Watch

Molly Batey - Gateshead White Watch

Matthew Laidler - Gateshead Blue Watch

James O’Connell - Gateshead Red Watch

Ross Herring - Gateshead Green Watch

Course director: station manager Jon Anderson

Instructors:

Watch managers:

Chris Swift-Hunter

Dale Howey

David Irwin

Terry Griffin

Dani Forster

Mark Westgarth

Kevin Simpson

Marcus Robinson

Stephen Carruthers

Martin Ward

Crew Managers:

Ian Laidler

Robert Birt

Kate Fullen

Brian Waugh

Simon Kirsopp

Kevin Montgomery

Michael McKitten

Kevin Laidler

Lee Greener

Swimming:

Samantha Nicholson