On Friday 23 July, twenty-three Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) new recruits passed out in the sunshine on the parade ground of Service Headquarters at Barmston Mere Training Centre in Washington.

Over the past 13-weeks the new recruits, aged between 19 and 40 years old, have been experiencing an intensive practical and theory training programme that saw them learn new core skills including hose running; ladder, pump, trauma, breathing apparatus (BA), and hazardous materials.

The recruits underwent weekly exams to test them on the information they had learnt throughout the week. This was coupled by a rigorous fitness regime of cardio and weights.

This is the 53^rd TWFRS new recruits course that originally commenced in 1974.

Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther said:

“We are extremely proud of our new recruits as they are the firefighters of the future.”

“They have successfully completed the highly demanding training course that is intentionally challenging, as we put the recruits in to scenarios they are likely to experience during their working life as serving firefighters.

“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has a proud tradition of producing some of the country’s finest firefighters and long may that continue.

“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.”

For further information about Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service please visit www.twfire.gov.uk