Twelve New Firefighters Join Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

Abseiling down towers, rescuing casualties and delivering first aid – Cornwall’s latest group of firefighters have officially passed out after an intensive 12-week training programme.

The passing out parade took place at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in Tolvaddon on Friday, 8th August, with family members, dignitaries and even a pet dog in attendance.

From 700 Applicants to 12 Firefighters

Selected from more than 700 applicants, the 12 recruits – aged between 20 and 49 – are the first external applicants to join Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service since 2017.

Kyla Hamilton, who served nine years in the Army before applying, received the prestigious silver axe award for top recruit. The 32-year-old said:

“I was proud just to be up there and complete the 12 weeks. To win the silver axe award on top of that, it just means so much. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

At 20, Amy Richards is the youngest member of the new intake. Formerly with His Majesty’s Prison Service in Exeter, Amy is now set to join Bodmin Fire Station. She said:

“It can’t believe I got to the end or even got on the course in the first place. It’s been such a good course.”

Career Changes for a Life of Service

Among the recruits is Pete Waddington, who swapped life as a secondary school science teacher for the fire service. He explained:

“To have a career where you devote your time at work to helping people and to leaving situations in a better position than you find them is really important and is something I can be proud of.”

Pete’s father-in-law Stuart was among those watching the crews demonstrate their skills in two drills. He said:

“They worked really hard to be selected in the first place and the training they’ve been put through has been the hardest thing I think many of them had to face. We share in the pride of their success today.”

Pride from the Top

Chief Fire Officer Kathryn Billing welcomed the group, telling them they had “the best job in the world, in the best place in the world”. She added:

“I’m unashamedly emotional today because it’s an incredible achievement. I’m so proud of each and every one of them and also our officers and staff that have supported their journey, all the way through from recruitment, selection and training to get them to where they are today.”

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Health at Cornwall Council, praised the professionalism on display:

“The drills were phenomenal. Watching how they all respond as a team and knowing what everybody’s doing was incredible. You can just see the care that every single person puts in. I felt really privileged to watch it and be a part of it.”

With their training complete, the new firefighters are now ready to serve communities across Cornwall.