Six new on-call firefighters for Derbyshire and two new industrial firefighters for Rolls-Royce
On Sunday 8 March, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) celebrated the achievements of six new on-call firefighters at a pass out ceremony attended by their family and friends.
The Service also recognised two newly competent industrial firefighters from Rolls-Royce, who trained alongside its on-call recruits as part of a joint training programme announced earlier this year.
Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive (CFO/CE), Michael Sharman, hosted the event, which marked the successful completion of several weeks of intensive training for firefighters from Course 1-26, formally welcoming them to the Service.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, special awards and operational displays for the assembled guests.
Speaking afterwards, CFO/CE Sharman said:
“A pass-out ceremony is a special occasion as we celebrate our newest on-call firefighters and industrial firefighter colleagues at Rolls-Royce. Today marks the beginning of the next phase of their careers in fire response, safety and emergency preparedness.
“Whether as an on-call firefighter or as a member of Rolls-Royce’s Emergency Response Team, undertaking such a role would not be possible without the support of family. Therefore, it has been an honour to welcome all those passing out and their loved ones to such an event.
“Each new recruit has received the highest possible level of training, and I am confident this will stand them in good stead as they work collectively to Make Derbyshire Safer Together.”
The six new on-call firefighters will now take up positions at fire stations across Derbyshire, serving Ilkeston, Glossop, Long Eaton, Shirebrook and Swadlincote.
Meanwhile, the newly competent industrial firefighters will enhance Rolls-Royce’s Emergency Response Team’s operational readiness, and the wider partnership with DFRS will strengthen existing emergency arrangements in Derby.
Emergency Rescue Unit Team Leader at Rolls-Royce, Roy Reynolds, also attended the pass-out ceremony. He said:
“Our long-term joint training programme is designed to ensure a quicker, more coordinated response if an incident should occur, safeguarding lives, protecting property and preserving the environment.”
Newly qualified Derbyshire on-call firefighters from Course 1-26 were recognised at the awards ceremony. Pictured are the special award winners with Chief Fire Officer Michael Sharman.
Special Awards
At the end of each firefighter trainee course, two special awards are presented.
The Teamwork Award is presented to the trainee who has given help and support to other members of the team, often away from the gaze of the instructors.
The Silver Axe is presented to the trainee who has consistently achieved a high standard in both the technical and practical aspects of the course from day one.
Two new special awards, introduced this year and presented for the first time at the event, have been created in memory of Derbyshire’s retired Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson, and former Chief Fire Officer, Rob Taylor, who both sadly passed away last year.
The awards are sponsored by PBI Performance Products, a company whose fabrics are renowned for exceptional flame resistance and thermal protection from radiant heat, and are widely used by firefighters around the world.
The Gavin Tomlinson Outstanding Operational Knowledge Award is presented to the trainee who achieved the highest combined mark across all technical knowledge assessments.
The Rob Taylor Outstanding Breathing Apparatus (BA) Wearer Award is presented to the trainee who has performed at a consistently high level throughout all aspects of the breathing apparatus training module.
Award Winners – On-Call Course 1-26
Teamwork Award – Zoe Gallagher
Silver Axe – Jacob Gentle-Parker
Gavin Tomlinson Outstanding Operational Knowledge – Zoe Hodkinson
Rob Taylor Outstanding Breathing Apparatus (BA) Wearer Award – Zoe Hodkinson
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