New fire service recruits start their lessons under lockdown
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the service hassaiditiscommittedtorunning the course, as long as the necessary restrictions were put in place to ensure that everyoneinvolvedwasabletokeep a safe distance.
Theservicehasalreadyrun refresher courses – under the currentCOVID-19restrictions – for returning retired firefighters and other operational staffandfeltconfidentthatthe recruits’coursecouldcontinue as planned.
Amongtherecruitsaretwo brothers, two internal candidates from TWFRS’ control room and technical services, a teacher,lecturer,insuranceadvisor, mechanical fitter, engineer and a multi-sports coach.
Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther said: “I’m really pleasedtowelcomethe24men and women here, taking their first exciting steps to become a firefighter.
"This is an intensive course which will see them attain the vitalprofessionalskillsneeded tohelpthembecomefirefighters.
“However, what they will also gain is strong camaraderie with their fellow recruits, which will last throughout their entire careers.
“It is this team spirit which will give them the strength to get through the course, and ensure that they are there for each other.
“It is also the same team spiritthatIamseeingthroughout the service by both operational and non-operational staff, all of whom are stepping up to the plate to continue to deliverafirst-classfireandrescue service for the communitiesofTyneandWear,aswellas respond to the challenges they face during the pandemic.”
He added: “I’d also like to thank our training centre instructors for making the necessarychangestothecourseto allow us to deliver it safely for all concerned.”