Twenty-six new Wholetime (full-time) Firefighters have graduated from a rigorous 20-week programme at the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Learning & Development College, marking the start of their operational service across Northern Ireland.

Family members, friends and training staff gathered at the purpose-built facility to celebrate the cohort's achievements. During the ceremony, the graduates learned which Fire Stations they will join, delivered live fire and rescue demonstrations, and applauded award recipients for standout performance:

- Top Trainee: Firefighter Gabriel Quigley

- Top Trainee Runner-up: Firefighter Philip Todd

- Road Traffic Collision Award: Firefighter David Olliver

- Breathing Apparatus Award: Firefighter Finn Mercer

Throughout the course, trainees developed the knowledge, skills and resilience required to respond to incidents including fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. The newly qualified Firefighters will now continue their professional development on Station and through ongoing training as they begin serving local communities.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings said: "Today is a proud and memorable day for each of our graduates and for their family and friends who have supported them throughout their journey. After months of hard work and determination they now begin their careers as Wholetime Firefighters and I am delighted to welcome such a talented cohort to our Service. "The training programme is physically and mentally demanding, requiring commitment, resilience and teamwork. Each graduating Firefighter has demonstrated the professionalism and courage needed to succeed in one of the most rewarding careers in public service.

"Today's graduation would not have been possible without the exceptional training team at our college, whose expertise, encouragement and support have guided our newest Firefighters and prepared them for the operational incidents they will encounter in their new roles.

"These graduates represent the future of NIFRS. I am incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and I have every confidence they will make a positive difference and serve our community with pride."

Jay Colville, Chairperson of NIFRS Board, added: "On behalf of the NIFRS board, I would like to congratulate each of today's graduates on reaching this significant milestone. Their commitment and hard work throughout the training have been exceptional, and we are proud to welcome them into our Service.

"We are committed to recruiting, developing and investing in the people who serve our community. While today marks the completion of their initial training, their learning will continue throughout their careers, both on Station and through ongoing training at our college.

"Today marks the beginning of an important and rewarding career for each of our 26 new Firefighters, and I wish them all long and successful careers with NIFRS."