Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service has held its first Pass Out Ceremony at the new, state-of-the-art Training and Development Academy, welcoming 14 new firefighters at today’s celebration of Course 01/24.

The event was a culmination of 16 weeks of their recruit training course, preparing MFRS’ newest firefighters for life at one of Merseyside’s 22 community fire stations where they will continue their apprenticeship training as firefighters in development. Recruit Course 01/24 also included three members of the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service.

The recruits trained in breathing apparatus, pumps and ladders, compartment fire behaviour, first response emergency care, road traffic collisions, compressed air foam systems, methods of entry, water rescue, working at height and hazardous material. The recruits also received insights into National Resilience and Operational Assurance.

High Sheriff of Merseyside Professor John Mohin OBE DL, MFRS Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, MFRS senior officers and family and friends of the recruits attended the Pass Out celebration, which included a drill display demonstration, presentations by the recruit firefighters, and certificates.

CFO Garrigan said: “I am delighted that our recruits have successfully completed the most demanding training course in the UK fire and rescue service to become operational firefighters in Merseyside.

“This training has been crucial in preparing them for the varied and challenging role of a firefighter - which you will understand goes way beyond fighting fires. They have shown tenacity, diligence, and a real appetite to succeed - these are essential attributes of a firefighter.”

The recruits of 01/24 joining MFRS came from a range of different backgrounds, spanning from primary school teacher to a farmer, to a former Royal Marine. Former professional rugby league player Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was crowned the course’s Top Recruit.