Fire Service welcomes new firefighters and control staff
Eleven new firefighters and six control room operators have been welcomed into Essex County Fire and Rescue Service during a dedicated passing out ceremony at the Service Training Centre in Witham today.
The new firefighters will be heading to Basildon, Harlow, Leigh, Orsett and Southend Fire Stations.
The control room operators will be based in the Control Room at Service Headquarters, Kelvedon Park.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Moira Bruin, and Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.
Proud family, friends and colleagues looked on in the crowd, and the ceremony was live streamed for those who couldn’t make it in person.
The Service’s new recruits were welcomed into the Service during a passing out ceremony where the firefighters performed two drills to show their training in dealing with a house fire as well as a road traffic collision. The control room operators took part in the drills where they demonstrated what happens when an emergency call comes in, how they’d send crews to the scene while reassuring the caller and how they’d manage resources during the incidents.
Moira Bruin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are always proud of our new recruits, and today is no exception. Our passing out parade allows us to take the time to watch on, recognise and celebrate the magnificent achievements of our newest squad of firefighters and control room operators.
“This is an important milestone for our trainees who are passing out from basic training to take up their duties at our fire stations and our Control Room at Service Headquarters.”
Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “We’re very lucky to have all our new recruits and I’m really looking forward to seeing how you all develop in your careers.
“This is just the start as you go onto your stations and into control, you’ll continue to learn and that’s really important to myself and Roger Hirst. It’s important that you continue to grow in your roles.
“You go out today as ambassadors for the service to not just save lives but to help raise awareness of how people can keep themselves safe from harm.
“I’m hugely hugely proud of what our fire and rescue service does at all levels of the organisation day in and day out.”
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 Joseph Tindall was presented with the Top Recruit of the Squad Award. He was recognised for his determination and professionalism, and great teamwork during the course.
The control room operators spent 12 weeks training to take calls, mobilise crews and use the radio systems. They’ll work as the link between the public and firefighters in a busy and high-pressured environment.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting a range of roles. To become part of an organisation that values inclusivity and diversity, and to make a difference to our communities, go to Join Essex Fire.
