‘Outstanding’ new firefighters join stations in East Renfrewshire and Glasgow Southside

Newly-qualified firefighters based in East Renfrewshire and Glasgow Southside were among a group of 36 “outstanding” trainees who have graduated from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) National Training Centre in Cambuslang.
Trainee firefighters adhering to social distancing guidelines in Cambuslang.Trainee firefighters adhering to social distancing guidelines in Cambuslang.
Trainee firefighters adhering to social distancing guidelines in Cambuslang.

They’ve been joined by a 24-strong group who were the first to be put through their paces at the SFRS’s new state-of-the-art facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh, over the course of 11 weeks.

Another 24 recruits are set to graduate from the training centre in May and will also work to keep people safe.

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That brings the total number of new firefighters since March to 84.

The new recruits based in East Renfrewshire are Fergus Ewen and Craig Dickson, who are stationed in Clarkston, and Owen Griffith and Hannah Smith, who are in Barrhead.

New recruits at Pollok station are Michael Connolly and Daryl Gault.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Paul King, who oversees the SFRS’ training department within the training, safety and assurance directorate, said: “The dedication of our trainee firefighters over the period has been exemplary.

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“As well as dealing with the challenges of training under restrictions, many have had personal impacts they have had to overcome – their level of commitment has been outstanding.”

As well as undergoing training to respond to fires within domestic, industrial and commercial buildings, firefighters are trained to respond to road traffic collisions, urban searches and rescues, mass decontaminations, rope rescues and water rescues.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “In common with our other emergency services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can be proud of the important work they are doing to keep our communities safe during the current Covid-19 emergency.

“Training is a key component in ensuring firefighters continue to have the skills and professional competencies they need to carry out their essential life-saving duties.

“These men and women will be a valuable addition in helping keep our communities safe during the challenging times we are experiencing.”

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