Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has proudly welcomed 15 new firefighters and three new Fire Control Operators at a special Pass Out Ceremony held at the Training and Development Academy (TDA) today.

The ceremony marked the culmination of weeks of intensive training – 16 weeks for the Firefighter apprentices and 10 weeks for the Fire Control apprentices – recognising their dedication, development, and progression.

Over the four-month Firefighter course, recruits took on training 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, hazardous materials, as well as gaining vital insight into National Resilience and Operational Assurance.

For Fire Control apprentices, four weeks were spent at the TDA learning about MFRS, communication systems, call handling, and the computerised mobilising system, followed by six weeks within the Control Room at Service Headquarters. This inclusive learning environment gradually led to handling real emergency calls.

The event was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell, MFRS Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Nick Searle, senior officers, and proud families and friends. Celebrations included a Firefighter drill display, presentations from the recruits, and the awarding of certificates.

CFO Searle said:
“I’m delighted that our recruits have successfully completed the most demanding training course in the UK Fire and Rescue Service to become Operational Firefighters and Fire Control Operators here in Merseyside. This training has been crucial in preparing them for the varied and challenging role ahead of them – which goes way beyond fighting fires or answering 999 calls. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them and I wish them a long and happy career with the Service we care so passionately about.”

As part of the ceremony, 26-year-old Henna Butcher, a former Lab Assistant, was named Top Recruit for Firefighter recruit course 01/25, having excelled academically, technically, and in demonstrating the values and behaviours expected of an MFRS Firefighter.

The event concluded with a cheque presentation to the Fire Fighters Charity, following a heartfelt charity walk in honour of Firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan.

The walk was completed in full breathing apparatus (BA) around Sefton Park in Liverpool to honour both of their courage and selfless commitment.

Our recruits walked a combined 147 miles - the distance from the MFRS’ Training and Development Academy to the Oxfordshire incident ground.

All money raised will be donated to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides vital physical, emotional and financial support to serving and retired members of the UK’s fire services, as well as their families.

Thank you to all those who have donated so far, you can still support the cause and help the group reach their fundraising goal at the following JustGiving page here.

The new Firefighters will now take up posts at Community Fire Stations across Merseyside as Firefighters in Development, while the new Fire Control apprentices will begin full shifts in the Control Room, taking live emergency calls and mobilising resources to incidents across the region.