Firefighters and control staff welcomed into Fire Service

Eleven new firefighters and two 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 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.

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 ceremony was attended by Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton and Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex as well as Group and Station Managers from across the Service ready to welcome their new colleagues.

The new firefighters will be heading to Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Grays and Harlow Fire Stations. 

The control room operators will be based in the Control Room at Service Headquarters, Kelvedon Park. 

Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “To you my colleagues, congratulations and a huge well done. Not only have you beaten off the competition of thousands of people to be stood on that line today, but you have also been through a tough and rigorous basic training course. Of which, if yours was anything like mine... will have been full of ups and downs, but where you will have pulled together, gained encouragement and strength from one another and worked as a team to achieve collective success.

“Never forget, being a member of the fire and rescue service is a team game. A set of unique individuals with different experiences, different backgrounds and different skills, all united by a shared purpose - to make our communities safer. Making Essex a safer place to work, live and travel is our common purpose, and it is the reason we do what we do.

“I wish each one of you a long fulfilling career and I very much look forward to working with you all in making Essex a safer place to work, live and travel.”

Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “It’s an absolute pleasure for me to be here today. Congratulations for passing out today to our firefighters and control staff, both signifiant in the roles that you play and neither can work without the other. It’s really fantastic to see you pass out together today.

“This is a personal and professional milestone for you all after many weeks’ training. I’m really proud to be part of this today and I know your family and friends are too.

“The public hold our fire and rescue service in great esteem and I’m sure you will all wear your uniforms with immense pride. You are key for us to building safe and secure communities and are absolutely the bedrock on which we create wellbeing and prosperity for all. You go out today as ambassadors of the Service in your capacity in both keeping people safe and raising awareness on how people can keep themselves safe from harm. You are joining the best fire and rescue service.”

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 Ryan Murray 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.