Latest recruits celebrate joining West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Stefanie Sim and Lewis Keirs have both joined the on-call team at Ilkley after graduating from a 14-week training course at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Birkenshaw headquarters.

Stefanie, who is originally from Malaysia, said it was an "honour and privilege" to join the service, and Lewis is following in his father's footsteps in becoming a firefighter.

The 19-year-old, who joins the fire service following a scholarship at Guiseley AFC, said: “This feels like a dream, as I spent my childhood idolising firefighters and fire engines watching my dad and his colleagues in their roles.

"I’ve enjoyed the individual personal development throughout the course and am grateful of the learning opportunity this has brought me.”

Lewis Keirs

Stefanie added: "It has been such an honour to be have the opportunity to meet so many amazing and inspiring individuals that make up the brigade.

"I have always admired on-call firefighters and how they serve their community. It's such a privilege to now be able to serve alongside them."

The pair, who will become part of the on-call team at Ilkley, graduated with 10 others after an intense course learning how to rescue casualties, use firefighting equipment and work as a team.

Stefanie Sim has joined the team in Ilkley

John Roberts, Chief Fire Officer of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are all very proud and impressed with West Yorkshire’s newest firefighters and I am delighted to celebrate their graduation from the 203rd trainee course.

“It is extremely encouraging to observe the attitude, determination and dedication of our trainees, as it is across the whole of the service.

"I wish every graduating firefighter a very long, happy and safe career, and that they rightly get the appreciation from the communities of West Yorkshire that they deserve.”