FIREFIGHTERS at Grays and Orsett stations will be joined by new recruits from the latest draft of recruits to Essex County Fire and Rescue service, which has welcomed 13 whole time firefighters during a dedicated ceremony.

The service's new recruits were welcomed by Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Jo Turton and their station managers while proud families and friends looked on virtually.

The ceremony was live streamed to family, friends and colleagues across the service who watched the firefighters carry out a road traffic collision and a ladder drill to show their new skills.

Each firefighter was then presented with a congratulatory certificate.

Ms Turton said: "I am always so proud of our Service, and am bursting with pride that we have new recruits who are passing out and joining our fire service family. From day one, they have worked hard during the Covid-19 pandemic and learned a huge amount through our intensive training programme.

"Throughout their training, they have been united by a common goal - to learn the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern day firefighter to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel. I wish all our new recruits every success in their career."

Beginning their training in December 2020, the recruits began 14 weeks of intensive training like no other. Juggling the struggles and restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside their training at facilities across the county, they have learned the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern day firefighter.

Firefighter Callum Smith was presented with a special award, and was recognised for his determination and professionalism, and great teamwork during the course.

The new recruits will be joining Basildon, Brentwood, Grays, Harlow, Loughton, Orsett and Southend Fire Stations.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters. Find out more about the role here.