Ten new firefighters join Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service

Former teachers, police officers, and fitness coaches will be helping to keep Norfolk residents safe, as part of a new group of ten wholetime Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) firefighters starting in the county this week.

The new recruits are the first group of wholetime firefighters to start in Norfolk for three years, and they completed an intensive 13-week induction course, designed to equip them with the essential skills required to respond to emergencies across the county. The role demands high levels of fitness, stamina and resilience, and includes training such as using specialist breathing apparatus and providing trauma care at road traffic collisions.

Following their final assessments, the recruits officially passed out on Friday and will now be deployed to crews in Norfolk's five wholetime fire stations in Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth, where they will continue their development while supporting and protecting their local communities.

Wholetime firefighters are full-time emergency responders who work a rotating shift pattern all year round, providing round-the-clock cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week - ensuring crews are always ready to respond to emergencies across the county.

The cohort brings with them a wide range of experience and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse communities in Norfolk that NFRS serves. Among the group are individuals with careers spanning policing, education, fitness coaching, healthcare and self-employment, highlighting the variety of pathways into the fire service.

Kathryn Stanley previously worked as a PE teacher and tutor, delivering an alternative provision programme to support young people who found school challenging to help them gain qualifications and develop life skills.

Firefighter Stanley said: "I wanted to become a firefighter to take on a new challenge, and I was particularly drawn to the strong sense of teamwork within the fire service, as well as the combination of physical and educational elements.

"Now that I've passed the course, I'm really looking forward to joining the crew at Carrow Fire Station. We'll spend a lot of time together responding to incidents and carrying out important work in the community, which I'm really looking forward to. I'm excited to begin the next stage of my career and continue developing as a firefighter."

Daniel Payne has previously worked in a range of roles across health, fitness and wellbeing, and was also part of the Fire Service's Youth Development team. He is now joining King's Lynn Fire Station.

Firefighter Payne said: "Becoming a firefighter is something I've always wanted to do, and the fire service has always been an inspiration to me. It took me several attempts before I was successful, so receiving that phone call is something I'll always remember.

"I've absolutely loved the course. Most days I went home exhausted, but it was worth it for the range of skills I learned, the areas I was able to improve, and the challenge of overcoming them. The instructors were fantastic, and the rest of the group were brilliant and I have made friends for life."

Chief Fire Officer Ceri Sumner said: "Passing out is a significant milestone and reflects the hard work, determination and teamwork each of these individuals has demonstrated over the past 13 weeks. We are delighted to formally welcome them into the Service and look forward to supporting them as they continue their development in protecting the communities of Norfolk."

The service is not currently recruiting for wholetime firefighters, but opportunities to join NFRS as an on-call firefighter remain open. For more information about becoming an on-call firefighter with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/oncall​