NEW recruits hope to blaze a trail in their new careers after completing their basic firefighting training.

Twenty-three rookie firefighters passed out in bright sunshine on the parade ground at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) headquarters, at Barmston Mere Training Centre, in Washington.

Over the past 13-weeks the new recruits, aged from 19 to 40, have been experiencing an intensive practical and theory training programme.

It saw them hone core skills in hose running, ladder, pump, trauma, breathing apparatus (BA), and hazardous material techniques.

They also took part in weekly exams to test them on the information learned during the previous few days.

This was coupled by a rigorous fitness regime of cardiovascular and weight training.

It was the 53rd TWFRS new recruits’ course, first staged after formation of the service, in 1974.

TWFRS Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther said: “We are extremely proud of our new recruits as they are the firefighters of the future.

“They have successfully completed the highly demanding training course that is intentionally challenging, as we put the recruits in to scenarios they are likely to experience during their working life as serving firefighters.

“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has a proud tradition of producing some of the country’s finest firefighters and long may that continue.

“We wish our firefighters all the best for the future and look forward to them serving the people of Tyne and Wear for years to come.”

Further information about the service is available via www.twfire.gov.uk, the brigade website.

 

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