AFTER completing 19 weeks of intensive training, two new fire and rescue recruits have joined Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station. Allan Carolan and David Hayden were among the 14 trainee firefighters to qualify after working at Longfield Training and D

AFTER completing 19 weeks of intensive training, two new fire and rescue recruits have joined Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station.

Allan Carolan and David Hayden were among the 14 trainee firefighters to qualify after working at Longfield Training and Development Centre, Stevenage, on a wide range of skills, including fire-craft, crash rescue, and community safety, they will now have to apply in real life emergency situations.

Before joining the fire service Mr Carolan, 30, from Welwyn, worked as a carpenter and his interests include football, cricket, socialising and going to the gym. His favourite parts of the course were road traffic collision, using breathing apparatus and fire behaviour training.

Mr Hayden, 37, from Royston, previously worked at a college in Cambridge and his interests include most sports, films, food, motorbikes, cars and music. His favourite part of the course was breathing apparatus and road traffic collision training.

Even though the recruits have completed a very demanding training course, they will have to serve a probationary period of a further two years and will not become fully qualified until they have completed their NVQ Firefighter Level 3, meaning that they still have a lot to learn and will have to demonstrate that they can carry out their roles competently.

"We are pleased to welcome these new recruits into the fire service. They have proved their competence by completing all areas of the course and we hope that they will continue to play a key role in their stations across Hertfordshire and help to keep the people of Hertfordshire safe," said Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher.

Cllr Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture at Hertfordshire County Council, who presented certificates to each trainee said: "This was a very proud moment for all the recruits who have completed this challenging training, proving their hard work and dedication.

"Each one of them has gained an essential grounding in the diverse range of skills needed to be an effective firefighter. These include both operational work and fire prevention, as they will spend a lot of their time in the community, educating members of the public about fire hazards as well as fighting fires.

"I'm sure they will make a great contribution to their stations and the local communities they serve.