THERE is a new face at Northwich fire station, with Mike Donnan having successfully completed his training to join the crew.

Mike is one of 25 new on-call firefighters across the county to complete the vigorous training course over the several months to become on-call firefighters.

Their hard work culminated in a passing-out parade at The Courthouse in Knutsford recently.

The event was attended by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gus O’Rourke, and Cheshire Fire Authority chairman Cllr Bob Rudd.

Following the ceremony, Mr O’Rouke said: “I would like to congratulate the new recruits for completing their training and welcome them to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Working with the fire and rescue service is a thoroughly rewarding experience. It gives individuals the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and meet people in their community, as well as to respond to emergency incidents within Cheshire.

“Being an on-call firefighter is an exciting and demanding role that allows people to make a real difference to their community and help to save lives.”

Paid on-call/part-time firefighters come from every walk of life, and experience is not required thanks to the comprehensive training programme, which is exactly the same as that of a wholetime firefighter.

For Mike, his background in the military gave him the tools he needed to success.

Mr O'Rourke said: "Mike is very keen and willing to learn.

"He comes from a military background which has stood him in good stead for the fire and rescue service. Mike has fitted in from the start and he is doing very well.”

To become an on-call/part-time firefighter, you must live or work where you could respond quickly to your local fire station.

You need a real wish to support your community, enthusiasm and willingness to work as a team, and a reasonable level of physical fitness.

To find out more visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/on-call-firefighter-recruitment