New recruits welcomed to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

Instructors (Back row Left to right): Graham Padgett, Steve Plant, Gary Devonport, Steve Jeffries, Pete Wood, Paul Buttery.
Recruits (Front row Left to right) Steph Walker, Lee Sheen, Dan Vinter, Dan Hickey, Alex Reid, Matt Harvey, Lewis Kurpanik, Kim Wilkinson. — Instructors (Back row Left to right): Graham Padgett, Steve Plant, Gary Devonport, Steve Jeffries, Pete Wood, Paul Buttery. Recruits (Front row Left to right) Steph Walker, Lee Sheen, Dan Vinter, Dan Hickey, Alex Reid, Matt Harvey, Lewis Kurpanik, Kim Wilkinson.

The group of eight firefighters completed their training at the Training and Development Centre in Handsworth, Sheffield, and will now join the fire crews at their respective stations at Parkway and Rotherham.

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The much anticipated award for top trainee went to firefighter Kim Wilkinson.

The other new recruits are:- Stephanie Walker, Daniel Vinter, Alex Reid, Lewis Kurpanik and Daniel Hickey, all of Sheffield, and Lee Sheen and Matthew Harvey, both of Rotherham.

The passing out parade at TDC was attended by family and friends along with civic leaders. During the parade, the newly qualified firefighters showcased their skills and techniques by rescuing casualties from a mock road traffic collision, before being presented with their certificates.

Phil Shillito, head of emergency response, said: “The recruits have gone through rigorous training to incorporate the demands of the modern firefighter role as we continue to provide the best possible 999 service to the public. They have worked really hard and their achievements today are well deserved.

“The financial pressures the fire and rescue service faces are both well documented and unprecedented. But by recruiting these individuals we have also shown that despite the challenges we face we remain committed to supporting our future.

“We wish them all the best for their future career.”