Callington’s newest firefighter Laura Sant cleared to ride

The next time the pagers go off in Callington, there will be one more person climbing into the back of the fire engine.

Laura Sant has passed her Approved to Ride (ATR) course with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the step that takes a trainee off the sidelines and onto emergency calls. Her certificate was awarded on Friday 9 October.

Callington Community Fire Station shared the news with its followers, asking for “an absolute mountain of applause” for its new recruit.

📷Credit: Callington Community Fire Station

What Laura had to pass

The station described the course as intensive, with several weeks of assessments that came on top of months of learning and training at Callington.

“Joining Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service as a trainee was step one, but getting to this point demands an entirely new level of grit, sweat, and determination,” the crew said.

According to the station, Laura got through every phase of the ATR curriculum. That covered three main areas.

Pumps and water management

Hose running, knot tying and hauling equipment aloft, along with learning how to pump from pressure-fed supplies and from open water.

Ladders and working at height

Carrying out commands under what the station called “immense physical pressure”.

Road traffic collisions

The operational skills needed to respond safely and efficiently to complex roadside rescues.

📷Credit: Callington Community Fire Station

From trainee to Development Firefighter

Passing the course changes Laura’s role. She is no longer a trainee and has stepped up to become a Development Firefighter.

“The very next time the pagers go off and the station doors roll open, Laura won’t be watching from the sidelines,” the station said. “She will be fully geared up, sitting in the back of the appliance, and heading out on the run alongside her crew to serve and protect our local community.”

‘We are incredibly proud’

The crew also pointed to what the role asks of the people who take it on.

“It takes an incredible amount of personal sacrifice, late nights, and physical endurance to wear the pager,” they said.

“Laura, your commitment to the safety of Cornwall is inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to have you on our team. Enjoy your well-deserved achievement, stay safe out there, and welcome to the crew!”

📷Credit: Callington Community Fire Station