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Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue’s Latest Recruits Shine at Pass-Out Parade
This week, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) celebrated the culmination of rigorous training for 11 new on-call firefighters and one fire control recruit. These dedicated individuals marked their transition to active service with a pass-out parade held at BFRS Headquarters in Kempston.
Pass-Out Parade: A Display of Skill and Dedication
The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as the recruits demonstrated the skills they had honed during their comprehensive training to friends and family. The event was not just a ceremony but a showcase of their newfound expertise, featuring activities such as ladder drills, hose handling, jets operation, road traffic collision response, working at height, water first response, and trauma care.
Training and Responsibilities
The training program that these recruits underwent is designed to equip them with the essential skills required for their roles. These roles will be secondary to their main employment, meaning they must be prepared to swiftly respond to incidents in their communities whenever called upon. Their commitment and readiness to serve in such capacities speak volumes about their dedication to public safety.
Recognition and Awards
Each recruit received a certificate from Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Andy Hopkinson and Fire Authority Chair Councillor Jacqui Burnett. Special acknowledgments were given to firefighters: Chapman, Clark, D’Arcy, Edwards, Fricker, Hulland, O’Neil, Peebles, Smith, Thompson-Torn, and Wilkins, as well as fire control recruit Clarey.
Leadership Expresses Pride and Encouragement
In his address, CFO Andy Hopkinson expressed his admiration for the recruits' achievements. “Both our Fire Authority Chair and I were delighted to welcome our latest cohort of firefighters to their formal passing out ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of their initial training,” he said.
“This intake included firefighters who will either be working in our 999 Fire Control or at one of our fire stations crewed by on-call firefighters. They have all undertaken intensive initial training, facing complex scenarios and challenges, all designed to equip them with the vital knowledge and skills needed to join their many talented colleagues who keep Bedfordshire safe each and every day of the year,” he added.
The Path Ahead
CFO Hopkinson emphasised the importance of continuous development, stating, “They and their loved ones should be rightly proud of their achievement, and I look forward to seeing them develop in their new careers.”
Special Recognition
Firefighter Chapman received an additional honor, the Instructors Award, in recognition of demonstrating a high standard in both practical and theoretical aptitude and showing an exceptional level of support to fellow trainees.
This pass-out parade not only marked the beginning of these recruits' careers but also underscored the unwavering commitment of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to maintaining and enhancing community safety through continuous training and development.
