New firefighters welcomed into fire service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 17 new firefighters during a passing out ceremony at the Service Training Centre in Witham today (28 July).
The new recruits will be heading to Basildon, Chelmsford, Grays, Harlow, Leigh, Loughton, Orsett and Southend fire stations.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Rick Hylton and Roger Hirst, 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 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 Rick Hylton.
Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “This is one of my favourite events of the year. A chance to welcome my new colleagues to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Congratulations, not only on the exemplary skills you've just shown us. But because I know that to be on that line today has taken hard work, determination and commitment. It's rightly a very, very proud moment for you.
"You've beat off competition from thousands to be here and you're here because you were chosen. You were chosen because we believe that you've got the right skills, the right abilities and the right behaviours to take this service forward to improve it, and to provide the best service that we can to the people of Essex.
"It's my view that being a member of the fire and rescue service is without a doubt the best job in the world. It's a job that has served me well for 26 years and it's a job I can honestly say every day I get out of bed and I look forward to going to work.
"I'm really looking forward to working with you all. You're part of the team now and we're really fortunate to have you."
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “It’s a privilege to be here to be here to thank you on behalf of the communities of Essex.
“I strongly commend you for stepping forward to serve the public in the way you have done. I wish you every success, lots of safe deployments and that you enjoy your careers with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service."
The firefighters have been put through their paces over the last 17 weeks as they learned the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern day firefighter.
Firefighter James Aley was presented with a special award, and was recognised for his determination and professionalism, and great teamwork during the course.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting wholetime and on-call firefighters. Find out more about the role and how to apply here.
