Fire Service welcomes 11 new firefighters

Eleven new wholetime firefighters have been welcomed into Essex County Fire and Rescue Service during a passing out ceremony attended by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Jo Turton and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Jane Gardner.

The Service’s new recruits were welcomed into the Service during a passing out ceremony where they performed two drills to show off their training in dealing with a house fire as well as a road traffic collision and were then welcomed into the Fire Service by Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Jo Turton while their proud families and friends looked on virtually.

The ceremony was live streamed to family, friends and colleagues across the Fire Service who watched the firefighters carry out their drills and receive their congratulatory certificates.

Jo Turton, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We are always proud of our new recruits and today the passing out parade lets us all take the time to celebrate the magnificent achievements of our newest recruits.

“Our recruits have reached an important milestone, they have completed their basic training and will be joining their fire stations in the coming weeks.

“Throughout their training, they have been united by a common goal – to learn the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern day firefighter to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel. I wish all our new recruits every success in their career.”

Representing Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, his deputy Jane Gardner, said:

“It’s fantastic that we have 11 firefighters passing out today and it is a huge honour to be here today to celebrate with you. The public holds the fire and rescue service in great esteem and I’m sure you’ll wear your uniform with immense pride.

“You are key to building safe and secure communities – the bedrock on which we create wellbeing and prosperity for all. You go out as ambassadors of the service in your capacity to both save people and also – crucially – to help raise awareness of how people can keep themselves from harm.

“I wish you well in your careers as you go out to meet the various demands your role places on you, may you rise to new challenges, continue to learn and develop your skills and help keep Essex a safe place for all. On behalf of the people of Essex, I would like to thank you and wish you good luck.”

The firefighters have been put through their paces over the last 15 weeks as they learned the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern day firefighter.

Firefighter Alexandra Russell-Hopkinson was presented with a special award, and was recognised for her determination and professionalism, and great teamwork during the course.

The new recruits will be joining Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow and Leigh Fire Stations.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting wholetime and on-call firefighters. Find out more about both roles at join.essex-fire.gov.uk