The latest recruits to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were welcomed by Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor at the first passing out parade for members of the retained service.
Family, friends and employers watched as 16 firefighters, who will be based at fire stations across Shropshire, attended the inaugural ceremony held at Telford Fire Station after successfully completing the training course.
Their Chief praised them for commitment to their community. He also thanked their family and employers for "letting them go" when the first of many emergency calls comes through.
"We wouldn't have a fire service in rural parts of Shropshire if it wasn't for the valued support of firefighters' families and their employers who willingly release them to answer emergency calls to put out fires and attend road crashes and other emergency incidents. I want to thank all of you for your support."
Fire Authority chairman Stuart West presented the new recruits with certificates for completing the successful training course along with a photo of their firefighting colleagues. Assistant Chief Officer Louise McKenzie presented awards to top recruits Richard Kinton, of Much Wenlock, Martin Sherry and Wayne Shuker, of Craven Arms, Dave Jones, of Oswestry and, Chris Burnham, of Cleobury Mortimer.
The firefighters will be based at fires stations at Much Wenlock, Tweedale, Market Drayton, Hodnet, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, and Oswestry.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is dependent on a large number of retained firefighters, who have other full time jobs and are committed to turning out for emergencies in their local communities within five minutes, either during worktime or often in the middle of the night. A total of 23 out of Shropshire's 28 fire engines are crewed by the retained service.
Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor, left, and Councillor Stuart West, Chair of the Fire Authority, pictured with new recruits from Market Drayton
Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor, left, and Councillor Stuart West, Chair of the Fire Authority, pictured with new recruits Warwick Fletcher and Sub Officer Dawson
Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor, left, and Councillor Stuart West, Chair of the Fire Authority, pictured with new recruits from Oswestry
Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor, left, and Councillor Stuart West, Chair of the Fire Authority, pictured with new recruits from Telford
Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor, left, and Councillor Stuart West, Chair of the Fire Authority, pictured with new recruits from Much Wenlock
New recruits
New recruits
