"Outstanding" trainee firefighters graduate
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A group of “outstanding” trainee firefighters, including one Highlander have made history by being the first to graduate at a dedicated facility in the country’s capital.
The 24-strong group, including Inverness-based Peter Baird, were put through their paces at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s state-of-the-art facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh over 11 weeks.
And they will now join stations across the East Service Delivery Area and work to protect communities and assist partners as the country joins forces to reduce the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In March, another 36 trainee firefighters also graduated from the SFRS National Training Centre in Cambuslang and have already been deployed to stations across the west of the country.
Another 24 recruits are set to graduate from the training centre in May. It brings the total number of new firefighters since March to 84.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Paul King oversees the SFRS’ training department within the Training, Safety and Assurance Directorate.
He paid tribute to the recruits who will continue to hone their response and technical rescue skills under a structured three-year training programme.
DACO King also thanked partners within the hotel and restaurant industries for their vital support.
He said: “The dedication of our trainee firefighters over the period has been exemplary.
“As well as dealing with the challenges of training under restrictions, many have had personal impacts they have had to overcome - their level of commitment has been outstanding.
“Of course, it would not be possible for us to deliver these courses without the instructors and the help of our business partners such as select hotels and restaurants who have stayed open to ensure we can get more firefighters at stations to protect Scotland’s communities.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in enabling the SFRS to continue to keep Scotland safe.”
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “In common with our other emergency services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can be proud of the important work they are doing to keep our communities safe during the current Covid-19 emergency.
"Training is a key component in ensuring firefighters continue to have the skills and professional competencies they need to carry out their essential life-saving duties.
"These men and women will be a valuable addition in helping keep our communities safe during the challenging times we are experiencing.”
