Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 06/01/2010 17:18

Cornwall’s five new fire recruits have all successfully completed a 13 week intensive training course with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service at Plympton.

The recruits had to undergo a challenging programme of practical training in a variety of subjects, including standard practices and techniques, community fire safety, breathing apparatus, road traffic collision rescue techniques and first aid, including trauma care.

As well as the practical skills, the course also includes a number of theoretical subject areas, covering all the hazards and risks facing a modern day firefighter, including an increasing number of ‘multi agency’ incident response scenarios. These include flooding, civil protection issues such as terrorism, and major incidents involving chemicals and hazardous substances, air and rail transport, extreme weather and building collapse.

Officers at the training course praised the dedication and commitment of all of Cornwall’s five recruits. Particular praise went to Firefighter Mark Sherris who was awarded the silver axe as a result of his consistently high performance throughout the course. He will now join Truro Community Fire Station.

The other four recruits, all of whom passed the course, are:

Colin Rees – who will be stationed at Truro Community Fire Station.

Ross Williams – who will be stationed at Penzance Community Fire Station.

Richard Clemow - who will be stationed at Newquay Community Fire Station.

Nathan Bonney - who will be stationed at Bodmin Community Fire Station.

Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury said “I am very proud of all our new recruits and I know that they are all keen to contribute further to the work of the Service. Their dedication and commitment has been fantastic throughout the course and they fully deserve their success”.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for stronger communities Lance Kennedy added “'I was delighted to attend their passing out parade meeting both them and their families. They were rigthly proud of their achievements and I am proud to welcome them to an outstanding team."

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7389