The biggest batch of South Yorkshire firefighter recruits in eight years has successfully graduated following 13 weeks of intensive training.

The group of twelve full-time firefighters have completed their training with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and will now join crews at their respective fire stations around the county.

A passing out parade at the service’s Training & Development Centre was attended by family, friends and local dignitaries. It included demonstrations from the recruits who showcased the skills they have picked up over the last three months.

The course included an intensive period of safety critical learning which covered skills such as ladder and hose reel drills, road traffic collision extrication and breathing apparatus training.

The recruits then spent time on fire stations where they continued their development and attended real incidents, before spending time at the Lifewise Centre observing the contribution of the service’s award-winning community safety team and the work they do to prevent emergencies.

Chief Fire Officer James Courtney, said: “Well done to all of our recruits for what they have achieved. Having beaten off competition from literally hundreds of other applicants, they really are a credit to both themselves and their loved ones.

“The intensive course they have been on will prepare them for challenging yet rewarding future careers. But importantly, the training they’ve received also covers the broader aspects of a modern firefighter’s role, with our work to keep people safe and prevent emergencies every bit as important as the work we are most associated with- responding to 999 calls.”

The Chair of South Yorkshire Fire Authority Linda Burgess said; “The recruits have gone through rigorous training to incorporate the demands of the modern firefighter role as South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue continues to provide the best possible emergency service to the public. The financial pressures that fire services are under have been well documented, but by recruiting these individuals we have also shown that despite the challenges we face we remain committed to supporting our future.

“They have worked really hard and their achievements are well deserved. We wish them all the best for their future career.”

For more information on a career as a South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue firefighter, visit www.syfrrecruitment.com

Or to watch videos following the trainees on their recruits course, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/SYFR08