ON NOVEMBER 5 Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held its third pass out parade for new firefighters at the Salisbury station.

Thirteen firefighters, who have successfully passed their Firefighter Acquisition Training Courses, received certificates from Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell in front of their families, friends and colleagues.

Five of the firefighters, Jordan Nottley, Jack Darley, Andy Eckersley, Matthew Forbes and Jamie Hagley will be stationed at Beaminster, Dorchester, Hamworthy, Swanage and Weymouth fire stations respectively.

Jordan Nottley said:"Becoming a firefighter is a job I have always wanted to do. I find the job very rewarding in helping the community either in their time of need or at socially arranged events.

"I enjoy the challenges I am met with operationally and enjoy working as part of a professional team."

Andy Eckersley's passion for the fire service inspired him to join: "I enjoy the uniqueness of the job not ever knowing what you will be going to and two jobs are never the same.

"I very much relish new challenges within the fire service and I am very proud to be a firefighter.”

During the parade, the group of firefighters held a training display which simulated a property fire and included the use of an aerial ladder platform and two fire engines.

There were also distinguished guests at the event.

These included the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton; Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, The Hon Tim Palmer; High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Mr David Scott DL; and members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Head of Learning and Organisational Development, Area Manager Kathy Collis, said “Our pass out parade is a significant milestone in the firefighter development process. It is also a great occasion for family and friends to be able to celebrate the achievements of our new firefighters."

If you would like to find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters