The latest group of new recruits have celebrated passing their training with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) with a special graduation ceremony.
The event at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, in Birkenshaw, was attended by proud family, friends and local dignitaries. They watched the new recruits show off the skills they’ve learnt by putting out a building fire, rescuing a casualty from a mock road traffic collision and extinguishing a car fire. They also treated spectators to a special water display.
Notably the full group of trainees also featured six on-call fire fighters who have trained with the service. Two of them, Firefighter Macaulay Lockwood and Firefighter Jack Watkinson were also rewarded with the ‘Best Watch’ prize at the graduation ceremony. Firefighter Macaulay Lockwood said; “It’s been such a good day, the best thing I’ve ever done. The training’s been hard but really worth it- and I’ve made some friends for life.” Another recruit, Firefighter Shaun Smith received the ‘Best Recruit’ prize overall.
The on-call recruits completed their training in different ways, some through a 15 week training course at headquarters whilst others completed a modular training schedule – working with colleagues on fire stations with regular assessments of the required basic core skills, complemented by practical training at headquarters.
On-call firefighters are skilled people from all walks of life who offer daytime, evening and/or weekend cover at on-call fire stations in addition to their normal, day-to-day commitments. Just like their wholetime counterparts, they work on the front line protecting their community. On-call firefighters are not based at station, but when on-call, individuals must be able to reach their station within five minutes of their pager going off.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) are currently recruiting for on-call firefighters so if you feel inspired by the newest recruits and live or work in Mirfield, Featherstone, Ilkley, Mytholmroyd, Otley, Silsden, or Slaithwaite visit the website below;
Or just call into your local station to have a chat with staff about the roles available!
