Retained firefighters trained in just 14 weeks (From Watford Observer)

Retained firefighters trained in just 14 weeks

3:04pm Thursday 2nd July 2009

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The county’s retained firefighters will be among the first in the country to be trained in just 14 weeks.

In a bold move, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has changed the way retained firefighters are trained to make them safe and competent.

Previously, retained trainees would complete a few nights pre course training, followed by a week long course at a training centre.

They then went out to station and would complete the other modules of Breathing Apparatus, Road Traffic Collision and First Aid over the course of year.

Trainees for Kings Langley and Bushey fire stations will now complete all the modules in one 14 week course.

Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher said: “We have just completed our first 14 week retained recruit training course and it’s been a big success.

“The trainees acquire additional skills and experience on this course which they just weren’t able to get before.”

On completion of the course the recruits now also have a pass out parade where they demonstrate their new skills to family and friends and are officially welcomed into the service.

To mark the occasion, they present the Chief Fire Officer with a commemorative ceiling hook, an old tradition in the service.

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