A group of new firefighters trained in Fife have been described as “the best of the very best”.
The 24 graduates from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Thornton training site included former Dundee United women’s player, Fiona Mearns.
Nine of the newly-qualified firefighters will be based in Fife, with another six headed to Dundee in the new year.
They celebrated at a graduation ceremony in the training centre with family and friends on Friday, following the intense 14-week course.
SFRS chief officer Martin Blunden said: “This event was a real celebration of all that our recruits have achieved during the last 14 weeks.
“This training regime is designed to test graduates to their very limits so that they know what they are truly capable of when faced with the sternest of challenges.
“That’s what makes them truly the very best of the best.
“These new firefighters will experience more than most people will in a lifetime. They will perform a unique role to help the people of Scotland when no one else can; to save lives that otherwise would have been lost.
“They will work with communities and partner agencies to drive down the number of fires, road traffic collisions and other emergencies. They will also help protect some of the most vulnerable and act as a positive role model to help divert youngsters away from crime.”
The recruits formed part of a 25% rise in applicants, as well as double the number of female applicants compared to last year.
Among them were former retained firefighter Gordon Nimmo. The father of three from Cupar was awarded best trainee and will be stationed at Glenrothes.
The 39-year-old said: ““Everyone on the course has given 110%, so to be given this award is great.
“I’m going to be starting my first shift as a wholetime firefighter on December 31, so it’s a big step forward in my development.”
He was joined by Ms Mearns, a former fitness instructor as well as her role with Dundee United women’s team.
The 29-year-old will be based at Springburn in Glasgow.
“I’ve had the best 14 weeks of my life,” said Ms Mearns.
“I’ve been challenged mentally and physically and I’ve learned life-changing skills. This is the right job for me as I’m quite an active person and I could never do a desk job.
“As a firefighter, every day is going to be different and the training will continue over the next few years.”
Firefighters Tad Livock, Claire Addison, Kyle Bailey, Kathryn Durkan, Joshua Perera and Andrew Thomson will be based in Dundee. Hazel Porter, Andrew Wilson, Michael Foster, Euan Bell, Liam Corson, David Heaver, Stuart Paterson, Ross Ashworth and Gordon Nimmo will be based in Fife.
