Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has recently inducted 14 new on-call firefighters, following their successful completion of training.

These recruits will serve communities across the county, following an official Passing Out Parade held at the service headquarters.

Prior to receiving their training certificates from chief fire officer Rick Ogden and group manager Dave Love, the trainees showcased some of the lifesaving skills earned during their training in front of family and friends.

The newly trained firefighters will operate in Ambleside, Arnside, Barrow, Brampton, Egremont, Kirkby Stephen, Millom, Patterdale, Penrith, Shap, and Ulverston, bolstering the safety measures across the county.

The Westmorland Gazette: Ryan Williams was presented with the Ryan Johnson Memorial Award by Mr Johnson's wife ShionaRyan Williams was presented with the Ryan Johnson Memorial Award by Mr Johnson's wife Shiona (Image: Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service)

CFO Rick Ogden said: "I am proud to formally welcome our latest cohorts of new on-call recruits to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

"Being an on-call firefighter is an incredibly fulfilling and challenging role, offering a professional and dedicated service to their community while developing crucial skills in life-saving, problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

"I know the recruits whose graduation we celebrate will be an asset to their stations and their communities for many years to come."

Reiterating Mr Ogden's sentiments, deputy police, fire and crime commissioner, Mike Johnson, said: "Congratulations to all of our new on-call firefighters on their Pass Out Parade.

"On-call firefighters are an integral part of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and we could not provide a safe and efficient service without them."

Mr Johnson also announced the ongoing recruitment for additional on-call firefighters, emphasising the integral role they perform within the safety framework of the communities.

Firefighter Ryan Williams was presented with the special Ryan Johnson Memorial Award by Ryan’s wife, Shiona.

This accolade honours the service’s much-missed firefighter Ryan Johnson, who died in December 2022, and is awarded to the recruit demonstrating the best attitude and outlook throughout the course.