Last night (Monday 25 July) Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury hosted an evening of awards and celebration for the latest batch of on-call firefighter recruits to join Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Friends and family were invited along to see the 26 firefighters receive their certificates, with a select few being awarded the silver axe for top student on their course.
Alex Montgomery of Albrighton Fire Station receiving the silver axe award from SM James Bainbridge
Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said:
“Becoming an on-call firefighter is an achievement that stays with you forever, whether you serve a couple of years or 45 years as some of our firefighters have done.
“That is why it is so important and enjoyable for us all to come together on evenings like the Celebration of Success and honour those who have gone through intensive training to join the fire family.
“Meeting the loved ones of our new recruits is always a pleasure, because the families of our firefighters are the true unsung heroes of the Service.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to make Shropshire safer.”
Councillor Eric Carter, Chairman of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority, said:
“I have attended a number of these events over the years and every time I am truly inspired by the commitment and dedication shown by the new recruits.
“We thoroughly appreciate every one of them coming forward to take on this role to help protect their communities and they can trust that they are joining one of the finest Fire Services in Britain.”
The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate firefighters who have completed their development programme and the employers who allow their staff to undertake on-call firefighter duties.
Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton added:
“I’m eternally grateful to the amazing and public-spirited employers who allow their staff to respond as firefighters during working hours.
“We try to pay the employers back by giving them employees with new and important skills such as first aid, fire safety knowledge, HGV driving, risk management and a can-do attitude, but we also like to publicly acknowledge their support on evenings like last night.”
Chris Robert of CRF UK Ltd with Assistant Chief Fire Officer Simon Hardiman
Seven employers were recognised including Morris & Bufton Co. Ltd, CRF UK Ltd, Mr Bun the Baker, Carters of Ludlow, David Austin Roses, Telford & Wrekin Council and Hignetts of Pontesbury.
If you are interested in learning more about the role of an on-call firefighter, visit: shropshirefire.gov.uk/on-call
