NEW FIREFIGHTERS are ready for action.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed its first new full time recruits for nine years.
The 12 firefighters will now join the fire crews at their respective stations throughout the county. The recruitment campaign saw over 700 applications received.
The new firefighters include Matthew McMullan, Lee Rudge, Jessica Gould, Neil Jones, Chelsea Horner, Peter Clark, Michael Rogers, Kieren Hagan, John Dean, Bohdan Luczka and Richard Copestake.
During their passing out parade the recruits showcased their skills and techniques by completing a series of drills, including rescuing a casualty from a mock building fire along with other firefighting demonstrations.
The county’s chief fire officer Andy Hickmott also awarded the ‘Silver Axe’ to Matthew McMullan as the candidate who had consistently shown the highest all-round achievement throughout training.
Mr Hickmott said: “We have high standards and I’m pleased to say that all of our new recruits have met these and more. I wish them all the best on what will be a challenging but rewarding career.”
