Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has welcomed five new firefighters into the Bath and North East Somerset area who graduated on 29 July following the successful completion of an intensive 14-week recruits' course.

AF&RS Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: "I am incredibly proud of all the new recruits' efforts, and am pleased to welcome them into Avon Fire & Rescue Service for what I hope will be long and successful careers.

"Aside from the challenging training that they've undertaken, the recruits have also had to contend with the after-effects of a pandemic. I'd like to extend my thanks to the recruits' for their hard work and for the unwavering support of their families.

To mark the occasion, an official ceremony was held at the Service's training centre at Severn Park, Avonmouth. The cohort of a total of 23 trainee firefighters, showcased their newly learnt skills during the event, demonstrating the training they have acquired throughout their rigorous firefighting course.

Having successfully completed their intensive training course, the recruits will put their new skills into practice as they join Bath Fire Station across its four watches and kick-start their firefighting careers at AF&RS.

Joining Bath Fire Station

FF Shepherd, Green Watch said: "I am really looking forward to getting onto my watch in Bath and serving the community to the best of my ability."

FF Chapman, Blue Watch said: "I can't wait to get started at Bath, Blue Watch. Working in the city I grew up in and helping the community I know so well."

FF Gapper, Blue Watch said: "I am looking forward to new challenges the job will pose and the progressive learning that will be needed. With many opportunities available, I'm very excited to see where the service can take me."

FF Reader, Red Watch said: "I'm really happy to be part of the AFRS team. I want to make my wife, family & friends proud as well as being an example to my daughter due in November this year."

FF Roberts, White Watch said: "After finding out that I'm being placed at Bath White Watch, I can't wait to get started and meet the team."

Could you be in one of the next graduating classes? Sign up to AF&RS' mailing list to be the first to hear about recruitment opening again in 2023.

AF&RS provides emergency and protection services to the communities of Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The area covered is 134,753 hectares with a population of over one million.