Pandemic Delays Pass-out Parade for Surrey’s 12 New Firefighters

Published on: 17 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 17 Jan, 2021

Last month, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) welcomed 12 new firefighters, 10 whole time and two on-call.

The pass-out parade that usually ends the 14-week whole time training has had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

SFRS Chief Fire Officer Steve Owen-Hughes said, “I am deeply sorry to have to delay this parade. It was not an easy decision.

“I joined the fire and rescue service more than 30 years ago as a firefighter so I know how important pass-out parades are to our new colleagues and their families. I look forward to meeting these new recruits either on the fire ground or at their rescheduled parade.

“The training they have undertaken is not easy, it takes hard work, determination and teamwork and that is what every single one of these recruits has shown. Welcome to Team Surrey, I look forward to working with you.”

Denise Turner-Stewart, SCC cabinet member for Communities, said: “I am extremely disappointed we could not hold this important celebration for our new colleagues.

“I look forward to meeting the recruits when we are able to reschedule this event. It’s also an opportunity for us to celebrate their family and friends who will be by their side every step of the way in their new career.

“Our teams have been working hard to ensure all our events are accessible during the pandemic, so please keep a lookout for service news.”

Ms Turner-Stewart (Con, Staines South & Ashford West), added: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our superb training team for their knowledge and expertise, and everyone else behind the scenes who has helped enable this course.

“The service offers exceptional career aspects, so I look forward to seeing the future achievements and development from this group. They may even go on to become instructors of our future firefighters.”

The group recently raised funds for The Fire Fighters Charity. They “Cycled Home for Christmas”, the equivalent of 543 miles, on an indoor bike and raised £1,642, smashing their target by 136%.

SFRS has more opportunities for firefighters on on-call contracts. These are skilled people from all walks of life who offer daytime, evening and/or weekend cover at on-call fire stations in addition to their normal, day-to-day commitments.

Like their wholetime comrades, they work on the front line protecting their community, alerted by a pager when needed. More information about SFRS vacancies is available at www.surreycc.gov.uk/firecareers.