Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed its latest recruits at a special pass out parade held earlier this month at Longfield Training and Development Centre in Stevenage.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive 16-week training course for 17 firefighters – made up of 12 men and five women – who were joined on the day by friends, family and senior leaders from across the county.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman and Ajanta Hilton, Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety at Hertfordshire County Council, inspected the new firefighters on the drill yard before watching them demonstrate their skills in a series of live exercises. Certificates were then presented to each recruit to officially mark their graduation.

Serving Hitchin and communities across Hertfordshire

Following the parade, the new firefighters will now be posted to fire stations across Hertfordshire, where they will continue their development as part of operational crews – including protecting residents in towns and villages across North Hertfordshire.

To qualify, each trainee had to demonstrate discipline, teamwork, and both physical and mental resilience. Alongside practical fire and rescue skills, the recruits were also trained in community safety, safeguarding and legislative fire protection – all key elements of keeping local communities safe.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said: "This occasion marks an important achievement in the careers of our newest firefighters; they have completed their intensive initial training, which will equip them with the knowledge and resilience to serve the people of Hertfordshire with professionalism, compassion, and dedication.

"Protecting our communities is challenging but rewarding work, and I am committed to ensuring that we support our crews and offer them opportunities to learn and develop."

Councillor Ajanta Hilton added: "Protecting our communities is both challenging and rewarding. It is with great pride that I recognise the hard work and celebrate the success of our trainees who graduated from their training.

"I congratulate our newest members of Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and welcome them to what will undoubtedly be a rewarding career, saving lives and making the county safer for all."

Residents interested in a career with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service can find out more and apply via the county council's careers pages.