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New firefighters ready for action after completing training

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has welcomed eight new wholetime firefighters after they successfully completed an intensive 14-week course at the RBFRS Training Centre in Whitley Wood, Reading. 

The new recruits have learned all the skills needed to begin their careers as firefighters, including Hydrant, Hose, Pump and Ladder training, technical rescue (including Water Rescue, Animal Rescue and Road Traffic Collision training) as well as training in using breathing apparatus.

Our new recruits will shortly be posted to stations and will set about working to enable the people of Berkshire lead safe and fulfilling lives.

To mark the conclusion of the course, a celebratory ‘passing out’ parade was held at RBFRS’ Training Centre at Whitley Wood on Wednesday (21 September). During the event, the new recruits showed off their new skills to their proud families and friends in a variety of drills, including an exercise with a hose pump and ladder and a Road Traffic Collision demonstration. 

Special guests in attendance included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Jeffery Branch, Councillor Bob Pitts, the Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Councillor Sayonara Luxton, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Chief Fire Officer Andy Fry, Councillor Colin Dudley, Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, along with other members of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and other local councillors.

Station Manager Chris Holland, course director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new colleagues to RBFRS. They’ve all worked exceptionally hard over the past 14 weeks and they should be proud of what they have achieved so far. 

“The next step is for our new firefighters to be posted to their new stations. We wish them every success and we are confident they are well equipped for the challenges ahead. We look forward to welcoming them back again for refresher sessions at RBFRS Training Centre.”