GMFRS’s newest firefighters ready to protect communities

Two Pass Out Parades took place on Thursday (January 16) at GMFRS’ state-of-the-art Training and Safety Centre in Bury, to officially mark the 48-strong team completing their initial operational training.

Family and friends joined the celebrations as the new firefighters took part in practical demonstrations showcasing new skills they learned over their intense 18-week course.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Dave Russel presented each firefighter with their Passing Out certificate, and along with several GMFRS colleagues each event was attended by a representative of the King. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL joined the morning session, with Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins JP LLB attending the afternoon session; both presented the academic achievement award new firefighters.

A number of individual awards were handed to the new firefighters as follows:

• The ‘Stephen Hunt’ Endeavour award was presented to Apprentice Firefighter Jay Melling from Bury and Apprentice Firefighter Harry Mills from Marple.

• The Academic award was presented to Apprentice Firefighter Joshua Blackman from Marple and Apprentice Firefighter Niall Larkin who lives in Rochdale.

• The Fitness award was presented to Apprentice Firefighter Zak Ahmed from Bolton and Apprentice Firefighter Michael Dutton from Worsley.

• The Silver Axe award was presented to Apprentice Firefighter Scott Billington from Oldham and Apprentice Firefighter Michael Dutton.

GMFRS CFO Dave Russel said:

“Our latest apprentice firefighters have demonstrated that they are up for the challenge, can meet expectations, and they will be a fantastic addition to our organisation. I know our new firefighters have put a lot of time, effort and dedication into the intense training course and it is a brilliant accomplishment to become a firefighter at GMFRS.

“I hope that our new firefighters share the pride in their achievements that will be felt by their friends, families and new colleagues across Greater Manchester. It doesn’t stop here, it starts here, and we will do as much as we can to support them in their fire and rescue service journey.

“I am confident our new firefighters will serve and protect their community with absolute distinction.”

The new firefighters will now embark on the next phase of their fire service journey and have been posted to our community fire stations to complete their firefighting apprenticeship. The two-year apprenticeship has been developed nationally to help them gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable them to become competent, modern-day firefighters. Following an end point assessment, the trainee firefighters will gain a nationally recognised qualification.