Final Pass-Out Parade of 2021 sees 30 new recruits join GMFRS

GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has welcomed its latest firefighters to the final Pass-Out Parade of 2021. 

On Friday, December 17, 2021 we saw 30 apprentice firefighters celebrate their successes at the final event of 2021, following an intensive 15-week operational training course.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire, Bev Hughes, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sharman Birtles JP DL. They attended the ceremony to address the recruits and present them with their completion certificates, which marks the end of their training course.

The recruit firefighters have now completed the first part of a nationally developed apprenticeship standard. The apprentice firefighters will undertake the two-year programme to achieve the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Standard, which will help them gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable them to become a competent, modern-day firefighter.  

Four stand-out firefighters on the course were selected and presented with individual awards from Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Dave Russel; Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sharman Birtles; Deputy Mayor, Bev Hughes and GMFRS’ Fitness Advisor, Tom Ashworth.

• Endeavour award – James Pettitt
• Academic award – Benjamin Williams
• Fitness award – Peter Brown-Hampson
• Silver Axe award – Gary Maybanks

The Silver Axe is presented by the CFO to the trainee firefighter who, in the eyes of the training staff, has displayed and maintained exemplary standards in all aspects of the training course throughout the 15 weeks.

CFO Dave Russel said: “Over the 15 weeks, our latest firefighter recruits have demonstrated that they are up for the challenge, can meet expectations, and they will be a fantastic asset 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 recruits 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.”

The recruits will now be posted to community fire stations across Greater Manchester, where their apprenticeship training will continue until they become fully qualified firefighters.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice firefighter in Greater Manchester then head to the GMFRS website where you can learn more about the roles and services available, and complete an ‘expression of interest’ form.  

Applications are particularly welcomed and encouraged from groups who are currently under-represented in our Service, including people who identify as female, people from minority ethnic groups, people who are not in education, employment or training, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.  

Article Published: 21/12/2021 12:16 PM