3:00am Saturday 20th March 2010
By Emma Palmer
Basildon’s first-ever young firefighters course has proved to be a trailblazing success.
A group of 11 teenagers made their parents proud as they celebrated completing the 17-week course with a drill parade and passing out ceremony at Basildon Fire Station.
The 14-to-16 year olds, who are all studying for their GCSEs at schools across the district, got to learn firefighting skills as well a brushing up on their teamwork by signing up to the scheme.
The nine boys and two girls grabbed the chance to spend one evening a week completing training, which could help them become real firefighters in the future.
Russell Durant, a leading firefighter at Basildon, and one of the trainers on the course, said: “It’s been brilliant and the youngsters have achieved a lot.
“This was the first time we have done this in Basildon, but we intend to carry it on as long as outside funding can be secured. It’s hard work. It isn’t all fun and games. The youngsters have to put a lot of effort in and show commitment to seeing it through to the end.”
He explained how the group worked with ladders and hoses, used practical fire equipment, tied knots and lines and generally learned all about the job.
He added: “Some of the participants had aspirations to become firefighters before the course, but it’s open to any youngster who wants to learn life-saving skills.
“Above all they get to work as a team and form friendships.”
Families of the 11 youngsters proudly packed out the fire station to watch as they took part in a drill parade to mark the end of the course.
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