CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed its latest cohorts of new On-Call Firefighters who will serve their communities.

The service held a Passing Out Parade at its headquarters for 14 new recruits who have completed their initial training in December and January, and will now be deployed to stations across the county.

In front of their families and friends, the new Firefighters gave a demonstration some of the skills they have learned during their training, before being presented with certificates by Chief Fire Officer Rick Ogden and Group Manager Dave Love.

The stations that will benefit from the new recruits are Ambleside, Arnside, Barrow, Brampton, Egremont, Kirkby Stephen, Millom, Patterdale, Penrith, Shap and Ulverston.

CFO Rick Ogden said: “I am proud to formally welcome our latest cohorts of new On-Call recruits to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“Being an On-Call Firefighter is an incredibly fulfilling and challenging role, offering a professional and dedicated service to their community while developing crucial skills in life-saving, problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

“I know the recruits whose graduation we celebrate will be an asset to their stations and their communities for many years to come.”

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mike Johnson, said: “Congratulations to all of our new On-Call Firefighters on their Pass Out Parade.

“On-Call Firefighters are an integral part of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and we could not provide a safe and efficient service without them.

“We are still recruiting for On-Call staff and I would encourage anyone interested to apply.”

Also at the Passing Out Parade was a special presentation of the Ryan Johnson Memorial Award, presented in memory of the service’s much-loved Firefighter who died in December 2022.

Firefighter Ryan Williams received the award from Ryan’s wife Shiona as the recruit to have demonstrated the best attitude and outlook during the course.

** Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to recruit for On-Call Firefighters at stations across the county. For more information and to apply, visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/On-CallRecruitment