ANDOVER Fire Station is about to get a new firefighter after new recruit Callum Feltham graduated from training on Friday, August 4.

Firefighter Feltham was one of a group of 16 new recruits who were trained together, and graduated from the Hampshire Fire and Police Headquarters in Eastleigh.

The trainees were selected from more 800 applicants who responded to the service’s first recruitment drive in eight years.

The training course covered all forms of firefighting, from high-rise to wildfires, and trainees were taught how to use ultra-high pressure lances, foam and advanced hose reel techniques. As well as firefighting the new recruits learned how to deal with road traffic collisions and animal and water rescues.

They also received medical training and learned about the fire service’s preventative work.

Each of the 16 new firefighters has been assigned to a station, where they will receive additional training and instruction.

Chief Fire officer Dave Curry said: “During the trainees’ time with the academy they have learnt how to work as part of a team, developing their situational awareness and decision-making alongside the varied technical skills and extra qualities required to be part of a leading modern day fire service.

"They became part of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service from their first day of training. Now they join our operational crews protecting our local communities in a wide range of incidents and emergencies”.