The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 18 new Wholetime Firefighters - all without any firefighting experience before their graduation ceremony. 

At the ceremony at Maidenhead Fire Station, Chief Fire Officer Wayne Bowcock said he was confident that the new recruits would make the service 'proud'. 

During their training, the recruits were tasked with arranging a fundraiser to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

This year they raised over £3,000 when they each rowed the equivalent of the length of the River Thames - 38.5 miles - on rowing machines outside the Lexicon in Bracknell. 

Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to formally welcome our 18 newest Wholetime Firefighters into the Service.

"After months of hard work in training, the Graduation Ceremony was a great way to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family.  

“Whilst their initial training is now complete, the Ceremony marks just the beginning of their journey as Firefighters. In taking up their roles, they will continue our proud commitment to serving our communities. I know our new Graduates will make us proud as they work to protect the people of Royal Berkshire.” 

During the ceremony, the graduates demonstrated some of their new firefighting skills, including a rescue from height, extinguishing a fire while wearing breathing apparatus, and extricated a ‘casualty’ that was trapped in a car. 

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “I was delighted to welcome to the Service our latest group of Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices, the fifth cohort since the apprenticeship began in 2022. 

“Whilst our apprentices come from many different walks of life, they all have one thing in common. None of them had any prior firefighting experience before beginning their training in July. Now, they stand ready to serve the community, and I am pleased that they have chosen to begin their firefighting careers here in Berkshire.” 

Two new firefighters were presented with special awards to recognise their outstanding efforts.

The Endeavour Award was presented to Firefighter John Smith for being the Firefighter that has demonstrated the most effort to improve during the course.  

Meanwhile, The Silver Axe is an Award presented by the Chief Fire Officer to Firefighter Marlon Rush for being the recruit that performed to the highest standards throughout the training course.