Thousands applied for the coveted role of Wholetime Firefighter at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) – with a rigorous recruitment process whittling it down to just ten.
And today (Monday, September 2), the successful recruits pulled on their uniforms for the first time as they began their intensive 14-week-long training course.
The new cohort have come from all walks of life – from driving HGVs to a career as a semi-professional footballer.
Welcoming them, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Steve Helps said: “This latest cohort bring a wide and diverse range of experience, skills and abilities and each and every one of them has the potential to be an incredible asset to our firefighting family.”
He added: “I want to wish our new recruits the best of luck and encourage them to work hard and get the most out of their training journey.
“Being a firefighter is a job like no other and it’s an honour to wear the uniform and keep your community safe.
“However, I’d never call it an easy career.
“People often ask what it takes to be a firefighter and I’d say it takes dedication, commitment and personal resilience, so work hard and you’ll never look back.”
Councillor John Shuttleworth, Chair of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority said: “I am confident that our new cohort have the skills and experience which will help them become outstanding firefighters.
“CDDFRS is a wonderful Service to work for and I wish all of the ten new recruits long, happy and rewarding careers.”
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