THE Isle of Wight’s latest firefighting recruits celebrated the completion of their initial training this week with a graduation ceremony.

Islanders Harrison Matthews and Lewis Evans were among a group of 14 to go through a rigourous training course to join the ranks of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Over 17 weeks, they not only spent time in a lecture theatre learning about fire science, the new firefighters faced many hours out on the drill yard, being put through their paces with hose reels, ladders and breathing apparatus — learning the skills a 21st century firefighter needs to be armed with when out protecting the community.

This ranges from operational skills, to the delivery of prevention messaging to the public.

Isle of Wight County Press: New Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service recruit Lewis Evans with his certificate of achievement.New Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service recruit Lewis Evans with his certificate of achievement. (Image: Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service)

Harrison ad Lewis celebrated the completion of their initial training at a special ceremony held at fire headquarters in Eastleigh.

The firefighters have now joined up with their new teams on station where they will continue their development.

Harrison, 25, has joined Newport’s Red Watch, while Lewis, 30, is with Ryde’s Blue Watch crew.

Harrison, of Shanklin, said: “It is hard to believe the changes I've seen with myself during this course. The training we received from the Learning and Development team was second to none. 

"I am now with my crew at Newport and being part of a team that helps keep our communities safe.”

Isle of Wight County Press: New Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service recruit Harrison Matthews with his certificate of achievement.New Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service recruit Harrison Matthews with his certificate of achievement. (Image: Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service)

Lewis, from Cowes, echoed Harrison's sentiments.

“Just 17 weeks ago I was an untrained person dreaming of being a firefighter, whereas I now feel confident going onto a station and building on my skills," he added.

“The course was challenging, as I expected, and I can’t believe how much I have learned.

“I can’t wait to start at Ryde — working to make life safer across our area with the rest of the team.”

As is traditional with trainees on the course, new recruits are tasked with organising and taking on a huge fundraising challenge.

This year’s recruits climbed Butser Hill in Hampshire, wearing full fire kit on one of the hottest days of the year — raising more than £2,000 to support The Fire Fighters Charity and George’s Rockstars, a charity which works in hospitals to help children through the power of music therapy.