At the passing out parade at Ryde Fire Station, the new recruits are inspected by, from left, chief fire officer Steve Apter, Cllr Barry Abraham, of the Isle of Wight Council, and watch manager Andy Cave. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
AFTER months of hard work, the latest retained recruits of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were recognised at a passing out parade at Ryde Fire Station.
The eight firefighters completed a comprehensive course covering all aspects of firefighter training, incorporating the demands of the modern role.
The service currently employs 237 staff of which 122 are firefighters employed on a retained duty system, with 15 frontline fire engines.
Chief fire officer, Steve Apter, said: "The recruits have achieved the standards required of them and will become operational members at their respective stations."
Matthew Ward will be based at East Cowes, William Newnham at Ryde, Daniel Fitzgerald, Brian Riley and Oliver Wirdnam at Bembridge, while Joe Butchers, Darren Hall and Josh Hunter will be stationed at Freshwater.
The group will now be placed on a 42-month firefighter development programme and continue to learn from incidents they attend and from their colleagues.
In six months’ time, the recruits will attend a further course, qualifying them to wear breathing apparatus.
Mr Apter added: "I would like to thank the families and employers of our firefighters for allowing them to join the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and to undertake the challenges of being a retained firefighter.
"The service has been recognised recently for the improvements it has made and we continue to look at the ways of improving further so we can continue to provide a service to be proud of."
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk