NI Fire and Rescue Service graduation marks beginning of service for 26 new fulltime firefighters

A graduation ceremony took place at NI Fire and Rescue Service’s Learning & Development College (LDC) in Cookstown on September 10.

During the ceremony, the newly graduated firefighters received confirmation of which fire stations they will be posted to, showcased their skills through live fire and rescue demonstrations, and celebrated those who received awards for outstanding performance throughout the course.

Top Trainee of the chort was Firefighter Gabriel Quigley from Portrush, runner-up Firefighter Philip Todd from Magheralin.

The Road Traffic Collision Award went to Firefighter David Olliver from Ballymena with Firefighter Finn Mercer from Lisburn taking the Breathing Apparatus Award.

The cohort of trainees completed comprehensive training, developing the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to respond to a wide range of emergencies including fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings said: “Today is a proud and memorable day for each of our graduates and for their family and friends who have supported them throughout their journey.

“The training programme is physically and mentally demanding, requiring commitment, resilience and teamwork. Each graduating Firefighter has demonstrated the professionalism and courage needed to succeed in one of the most rewarding careers in public service.

“Today’s graduation would not have been possible without the exceptional training team at our college, whose expertise, encouragement and support have guided our newest Firefighters and prepared them for the operational incidents they will encounter in their new roles.

“These graduates represent the future of NIFRS. I am incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and I have every confidence they will make a positive difference and serve our community with pride.”

Jay Colville, Chairperson of NIFRS Board, added: "Their commitment and hard work throughout the training have been exceptional, and we are proud to welcome them into our Service.

“We are committed to recruiting, developing and investing in the people who serve our community. While today marks the completion of their initial training, their learning will continue throughout their careers, both on Station and through ongoing training at our college.

“Today marks the beginning of an important and rewarding career for each of our 26 new Firefighters, and I wish them all long and successful careers with NIFRS.”