New recruits set to join fire service

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Mr. Warren J. Smith presents certificate to Jenna Cahill

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FIREFIGHTERS in Oldham will be welcoming their newest recruit to the front line following the completion of the latest training course.

Jenna Cahill (30), from Chadderton, is one of 18 people who will be beginning their operational careers in the county with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) following an intensive 16-week training course.

During training the new firefighters were put through their paces, learning how to deal with an array of emergency situations including fires, rescues from water and road traffic collisions.

Their training culminated last week with a demonstration and pass out parade at Manchester Training and Development Centre, where the course had been delivered.

Jenna joined GMFRS as a trainee firefighter after previously working for Greater Manchester Police as a dispatcher.

She occasionally trains in gymnastics and cheerleading as well as spending time with her family and is looking forward to starting her role as a firefighter at Hollins fire station.

She said: "Even though the recruitment process was tough there was plenty of support available to get me through it.

Paratrooper

"I think the best thing about the role will be being able to make a difference in people's lives whilst doing a job that I love."

Other new firefighters taking up roles across Greater Manchester include a former paratrooper, a boxing grandmother and a design agency account manager.

Peter O'Reilly, county fire officer and chief executive, said: "On behalf of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), the chair and members of the fire authority I would like to firstly congratulate and welcome the latest firefighters.

"After having been through an intensive 16 week training course the new firefighters are joining a proud service which is on the cutting edge of future firefighting techniques.

"This course has given each of the new firefighters invaluable skills and seen them undergo rigorous tests to ensure they are ready to effectively serve the people of Greater Manchester as firefighters.

"Their hard work and training has culminated into a passing out parade, attended by friends and families, where drills and exercises will be performed before the official presentation.

"I would like to finish by saying to all the new fire fighters, welcome to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, I wish you all the very best for your future careers with GMFRS."

Tony Bryan, operational training delivery manager at GMFRS Training Centre, added: "These 18 new firefighters have been put through their paces in a challenging training course and it is a real achievement for them and our training staff that they got through the selection process and intensive course.

"I wish every individual in this group of firefighters all the very best in the career that lies ahead of them knowing GMFRS and the talented staff we have here will support them to become truly great firefighters."