Waterside man is top NIFRS trainee

A trainee firefighter from Tamworth Crescent in the Waterside, has graduated from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service training academy as the top recruit.
By Olga Bradshaw
Published 21st May 2014, 10:25 BST
Fire Fighter Steven Armstrong with his family. From left are Noel Moore, father-in-law, Roberta Moore, mother-in-law, Ruth Armsgrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's wife, Michelle Armstrong, sister, Cynthia Armstrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's mother, and his niece, Ellie Harris.Fire Fighter Steven Armstrong with his family. From left are Noel Moore, father-in-law, Roberta Moore, mother-in-law, Ruth Armsgrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's wife, Michelle Armstrong, sister, Cynthia Armstrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's mother, and his niece, Ellie Harris.
Fire Fighter Steven Armstrong with his family. From left are Noel Moore, father-in-law, Roberta Moore, mother-in-law, Ruth Armsgrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's wife, Michelle Armstrong, sister, Cynthia Armstrong, Fire Fighter Armstrong's mother, and his niece, Ellie Harris.

He is Steven Armstrong, a son of Cynthia Armstrong, from Harkness Gardens in Londonderry, and at Thursday’s passing out parade family members cheered him on as he received his well-deserved trophy.

Among those to travel with him were his wife, Ruth, mum, mother and father-in-law, Roberta and Noel Moore, sister Michelle and niece

Ellie Harris.

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The award is given to the trainee who, in the opinion of the course instructional staff, achieves the highest standard throughout the duration of the course.

Steven was one of 27 Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service trainee firefighters to successful complete the demanding 18-week trainee firefighter course.

He and his fellow trainees took part in a showcase graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at the Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre in Belfast. As is customary, the trainee firefighters to showcase their newly acquired skills by performing a number of live fire and rescue demonstrations and drills before

receiving their certificates and awards from chief fire

officer, Chris Kerr.

“I warmly congratulate our new trainee firefighters today and wish them a long, happy and rewarding future career in the Fire And Rescue Service,” said CFO Kerr.

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“The role of a modern firefighter continues to broaden rapidly, as we work to keep people safe from a wide range of emergencies. Part of our mission is also working to help prevent these emergencies from occurring in the first place by educating and engaging with our community, as well as enforcing fire safety legislation.

“The public holds our firefighters in very high esteem for the work they do.

“There is no doubt that it can be a difficult job, sometimes dangerous and sometimes distressing, however it is an extremely satisfying job and way of life.

“Today is the beginning of a lifelong career path of training and personal development.

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“These firefighters will go on to learn more specialist skills on the Stations they are posted to.

“I want to wish all our trainee firefighters every success for the future.”

The trainees raised £3,674 for the Firefighters Charity and Tinylife, by holding the traditional charity car wash during their course.

Related topics:NIFRS