Ilkley Fire Station has gained two new on-call firefighters following the latest pass-out ceremony at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s HQ in Birkenshaw.
Lewis Keirs
Lewis Keirs, 19, whose father is also a firefighter with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, came to the service following a football scholarship with Guiseley AFC.
Lewis Keirs said, “This feels like a dream, as I spent my childhood idolizing firefighters and fire engines watching my dad and his colleagues in their roles. I’ve enjoyed the individual personal development throughout the course and am grateful for the learning opportunity this has brought me.”
Stefanie Sim
I have always admired on-call firefighters and how they serve their community"
Stefanie Sim from Malaysia has also joined the Ilkley team.
Stefanie Sim said, "It has been such an honor to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing and inspiring individuals that make up the brigade. I have always admired on-call firefighters and how they serve their community. It's such a privilege to now be able to serve alongside them."
203rd trainee course
Stefanie, Lewis, and their ten fellow graduates are the latest to join the service following a 14-week training course, where they learn skills including rescuing casualties, using firefighting equipment, and working as a team.
Chief Fire Officer of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, John Roberts, said, “We are all very proud and impressed with West Yorkshire’s newest firefighters and I am delighted to celebrate their graduation from the 203rd trainee course."
attitude, determination, and dedication
I wish every graduating firefighter a very long, happy, and safe career, and that they rightly get the appreciation"
John Roberts continues, “It is extremely encouraging to observe the attitude, determination, and dedication of our trainees, as it is across the whole of the service."
He adds, "I wish every graduating firefighter a very long, happy, and safe career, and that they rightly get the appreciation from the communities of West Yorkshire that they deserve.”
On-call firefighters
Ilkley Fire Station is staffed by on-call firefighters. On-call firefighters are skilled people from all walks of life who offer daytime, evening, and/or weekend cover at on-call fire stations in addition to their normal, day-to-day commitments.
Just like their wholetime counterparts, they work on the front line protecting their community. On-call firefighters are not based at the station, but when on-call, individuals must be able to reach their station within five minutes of their pager going off.
