The island’s first full-time female firefighter has won a prestigious award after graduating from the UK Fire Service College.
Amber Carridge, from Douglas, was presented the Silver Axe award after completing the Firefighter Foundation Development Programme at the college in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
The special accolade is awarded to the most outstanding individual on the eight-week course which prepares new recruits for a career in the frontline emergency service.
The course focuses on six key disciplines – basic fire ground skills, breathing apparatus, first person on the scene, road traffic collision, hazardous materials and understanding incident command.
The 24-year-old, who became a full-time recruit in September and is now a member of Green Watch at Douglas Fire Station, said: ‘The Firefighter Foundation Development Programme provided a good grounding and initial insight regarding the working life of a firefighter.
‘I was tested physically and mentally throughout the eight-week period and was continuously assessed. The course covered various aspects of what the role entails.
‘Overall it was a very positive experience and I was delighted to be awarded the Silver Axe at the end of the course. There’s still a huge learning curve ahead of me, but I’m excited to develop a career within the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.’
The programme is undertaken by trainee firefighters from around the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man, as well as Gibraltar and St Kitts and the Silver Axe is judged on a participant’s performance in the technical and practical aspects of the training programme, the quality of their research project and their overall conduct throughout the eight weeks.
The island’s chief fire officer Kevin Groom said: ‘To become a firefighter requires dedication, determination and commitment. Amber has demonstrated those qualities in abundance and will become a valued part of the team that works hard to keep the island safe.
‘We have two women currently serving as retained firefighters and while Amber is our first female wholetime firefighter, I hope that others will be inspired to follow in her footsteps.’