Godalming gets a new on-call firefighter as recruits graduate

Godalming has gained a new on-call firefighter as five new graduates celebrated passing their training course at the weekend.

Firefighter Ryan Pawsey will be attached to Godalming Fire Station, and took part in the graduation ceremony at the service's HQ in Reigate on Sunday.

The ceremony was streamed to family and friends via the service's Facebook page.

The newly-qualified firefighters demonstrated the skills they had learnt during their intensive residential training course by putting out a mock house fire and rescuing a casualty from the third floor using their hose running and ladder skills.

They were presented with a certificate at the end of the ceremony. Firefighter Robert Little was also awarded the Silver Axe Award for Outstanding Trainee Firefighter.

Two of the recruits are headed to Lingfield fire station, while the other two are now attached to Gomshall and Oxted fire stations.

Chief Fire Officer Steve Owen-Hughes said: "I'm delighted to welcome our new firefighters to Surrey and to have had the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, albeit in a different, virtual way. This, in fact, allowed us to welcome many more of their family members and friends than we could under normal circumstances, and we plan to stream more events in the future.

"I am very proud of their achievements and dedication, particularly during these difficult times, and I wish them every success in their career with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service."

Firefighters on on-call contracts come from all walks of life and offer daytime, evening and/or weekend cover at on-call fire stations in addition to their normal, day-to-day commitments. They are alerted by a pager when needed.

More information about current SFRS vacancies is available here.

The ceremony is available to view on Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's Facebook page.