Today marks a pivotal moment for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) as its inaugural cohort of 41 new Wholetime (Full-Time) Firefighters graduated from the recently opened Learning & Development College.

Among the graduates were ten female firefighters, signalling a positive step in diversity for the service.

This group holds the distinction of being the first to complete the full 19 weeks of intensive training entirely at the new purpose-built college, which officially opened its doors in May. These newly qualified firefighters will now begin their careers serving communities in fire stations across Northern Ireland.

The graduation ceremony, held at the modern training facility, underscored the NIFRS's commitment to equipping its personnel with the most advanced skills and knowledge to ensure public safety.

Aidan Jennings, NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, expressed immense pride in the graduates. "This is a hugely important day for our 41 trainees as they graduate as Wholetime Firefighters," he said. "This cohort of Firefighters made history for NIFRS as being the first Firefighters to complete all of their intensive training at our new college. Our graduates should be extremely proud of themselves." Mr Jennings highlighted the impact of the new facility on training standards: "Our new college brings a new level of intensity to our training, and these graduates performed exceptionally well throughout the duration of the trainee Firefighting course." He also extended his gratitude to the instructors who, despite being new to the site themselves, successfully delivered the demanding course.

"Our graduates are now ready to take their places as Wholetime Firefighters across Northern Ireland. They have chosen to become Firefighters because they believe in serving our community and working with others to make Northern Ireland a safer place. I wish them every success in what is a rewarding, interesting and meaningful career," Mr Jennings concluded.

Jay Colville, Chairperson of the NIFRS Board, congratulated the new recruits and reflected on the significance of the day. "On behalf of the NIFRS Board, I extend my congratulations to each of our trainees graduating today," he said. "We are committed to recruiting the best people to protect our community, and I am confident that our trainees today are equipped and ready to respond and serve the people of Northern Ireland."

Mr Colville noted the historic nature of the event: "Today marks a huge milestone for NIFRS and for the graduates here today. This is the first Wholetime graduation that we have held at our new £50 million college, and I look forward to future generations of Firefighters completing their training here."

He reiterated the service's dedication to its personnel and public safety: "As a service, we remain dedicated to investing in our personnel and ensuring the safety of everyone in Northern Ireland. I wish all of today's 41 graduates success and happiness in their careers in NIFRS."