A new generation of firefighters have completed their training and are set to be deployed across Tyne and Wear to keep their community safe.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have proudly announced that 24 new recruits have today (Friday) passed out and are fully fledged firefighters.

The trainee firefighters began their 14-week training programme in the autumn and have been learning the skills needed to respond to emergencies.

The recruits have undergone weekly firefighting drills, written exams and a rigorous fitness regime to ensure they are prepared to protect the public.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther has today (Friday) congratulated the new recruits and welcomed them as part of the TWFRS family.

He said: “It’s an honour and privilege to watch these new recruits pass out and become the firefighters of the future.

“Our recruit’s course is tough, but it prepares them for life on station where their learning will continue under the supportive eye of their watch which will become like their family.

“We wish our firefighters all the best for the future and look forward to them serving the people of Tyne and Wear for years to come.”

High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, David W Bavaird said: “It’s fantastic to see so many new recruits joining Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service today.

“They join over 100 firefighters that have been recruited in the past two years helping to keep our community here in Tyne and Wear safe not just fighting fires but on the road and by the water as well.

“Today I want to thank them for their hard work to get to this stage and wish them all the best with their careers with TWFRS.”

Firefighter training involves teaching recruits how to operate a fire pump, hose running, Road Traffic Collison (RTC) rescue, First Aid and much more.

Wholetime recruitment for firefighters at TWFRS will re-open in January 2023 and those interested in the career can pre-register for alerts on the TWFRS website now