Firefighters’ graduation

Firefighters’ graduation

25 June 2025

FOUR local firefighters have marked a major milestone by graduating from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service’s (NIFRS) new Learning and Development College. 

Forty-one new full-time firefighters graduated on Thursday, including Christopher O’Neill from Crossgar, Michael McCreanor from Downpatrick, Brendan Brown and Gary Agnew, who are both from Newcastle.

The cohort of trainees comprised of 10 female firefighters and 31 male firefighters and were the first group to complete all 19 weeks of intensive training at the college, which was officially opened in May.

They will now begin their careers as full-time firefighters in fire stations across Northern Ireland.

The graduation ceremony was held at the new college, a purpose-built training facility designed to equip the next generation of firefighters with the skills and knowledge they need to keep everyone in Northern Ireland safe.

NIFRS Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said last week’s graduation was a “hugely important day” for the 41 trainees.

“This cohort of firefighters made history for NIFRS as being the first firefighters to complete all of their intensive training at our new college – our graduates should be extremely proud of themselves,” he said.

“Our new college brings a new level of intensity to our training, and these graduates performed exceptionally well throughout the duration of the trainee Firefighting course.”

Mr Jennings said he would like to recognise the dedication and commitment of the course’s instructors, who were also new to the site and who were able to deliver the course to the new trainees.

“Our graduates are now ready to take their places as full-time firefighters across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“They have chosen to become firefighters because they believe in serving our community and working with others to make Northern Ireland a safer place.

“I wish them every success in what is a rewarding, interesting and meaningful career,” he added.

Jay Colville, chairperson of the NIFRS Board, also extended his congratulations to each of the graduates.

“We are committed to recruiting the best people to protect our community, and I am confident that our trainees today are equipped and ready to respond and serve the people of Northern Ireland,” he said. 

“Today marks a huge milestone for NIFRS and for the graduates here today.

“This is the first full-time graduation that we have held at our new £50m college, and I look forward to future generations of firefighters completing their training here.”

He continued: “As a service, we remain dedicated to investing in our personnel and ensuring the safety of everyone in Northern Ireland. 

“I wish all of today’s 41 graduates success and happiness in their careers in NIFRS.”