Key Points
- Eight new On-Call Firefighters have completed their first phase of training for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS).
- A Passout Parade took place at Newtown Fire Station on Monday, October 26, 2026.
- These recruits showed their fire-fighting and emergency response capabilities in front of their families and fellow workers.
- Fire fighting, use of equipment, casualty care, and road traffic collisions were some aspects covered during training.
- Certificates were awarded by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sean Lloyd of MAWWFRS.
- These new firefighters will now become part of various Fire Stations of MAWWFRS.
- Recruitment process for On-Call Firefighters is still ongoing at MAWWFRS.
Wales (Wales Times) October 27, 2026 – Eight new On-Call Firefighters have completed their initial training and were formally welcomed into operational service at a Passout Parade held at Newtown Fire Station on Monday, October 26, 2026.
As reported by Steffan John of the Mid and West uk/fire/">Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the parade marked the end of weeks of intensive training and recognised the recruits’ progress towards serving and protecting their local communities.
Family members, friends and colleagues attended the event and watched a series of drill yard demonstrations. The displays were designed to show the skills and knowledge developed during training, while also giving attendees an insight into the challenges firefighters face and the standards required to become operational.
Which skills did the new firefighters learn?
The recruits received training in a range of essential firefighting and emergency-response areas. According to MAWWFRS, the course included firefighting techniques, equipment deployment, trauma and casualty care, and responding to road traffic collisions.
The Service said these skills are intended to prepare the new On-Call Firefighters to respond safely and effectively to different types of incidents across Mid and West Wales.
The training programme reflects the operational demands placed on firefighters in the region, where crews may be required to deal with fires, road traffic collisions and other emergencies across a large service area.
Who presented the certificates?
Following the demonstrations, certificates were presented to each recruit by MAWWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sean Lloyd. The certificates recognised the successful completion of the initial training course.
MAWWFRS described the Passout Parade as a significant milestone in every firefighter’s journey. The Service said the new recruits will now join their respective Fire Stations across the Service area, where they will respond to emergencies, support community safety initiatives and help protect the communities in which they live and work.
What did the fire service say?
The Service said the event celebrated both the completion of the course and the commitment, resilience and determination shown by each recruit throughout their training.
In a statement published by MAWWFRS, the Service said: “Everyone at MAWWFRS would like to congratulate the new On-Call Firefighters on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they begin their operational careers.”
The Service added: “Congratulations and welcome to the Service.”
Why are On-Call Firefighters important?
On-Call Firefighters form an essential part of MAWWFRS and its local communities, according to the Service. They combine their firefighting duties with other employment and are paid for their services through retainer fees and call-out payments.
MAWWFRS said the role offers opportunities for personal and professional development through training, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
The Service is currently recruiting for On-Call Firefighters. It said it relies on people with a mix of skills and experience to deliver an effective frontline service and make the region safer from fire.
How large is Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service?
MAWWFRS provides public safety information, prevention and protection programmes, and emergency response cover across Mid and West Wales.
The Service employs more than 1,350 members of staff and covers almost 12,000 square kilometres, representing almost two-thirds of Wales.
Its work includes community engagement, school visits, Safe and Well visits, work with young people and enforcement of fire safety legislation.
Background of the development
On-Call Firefighters are retained personnel who respond to emergencies in their local areas while maintaining other jobs or commitments. MAWWFRS says they are an essential part of its workforce and community safety provision.
The Passout Parade is the formal point at which recruits complete initial training and move towards operational duties at their assigned Fire Stations. The Newtown event included practical demonstrations, certificate presentations and recognition of the recruits’ completion of the course.
The development comes as MAWWFRS continues to promote recruitment for On-Call Firefighter roles, highlighting payment through retainer fees and call-out fees, alongside training and development opportunities.
Prediction: How will this affect local communities?
The addition of eight trained On-Call Firefighters is likely to strengthen local emergency response capacity as the recruits join Fire Stations across the MAWWFRS area. Their training in firefighting, casualty care and road traffic collision response means they can support crews dealing with a range of incidents.
For residents in Mid and West Wales, the development may support the availability of trained personnel at community-level fire stations, particularly where On-Call crews form part of local response arrangements. The Service says these firefighters will also contribute to community safety initiatives.
For people considering applying, MAWWFRS’s continued recruitment campaign indicates that the Service is seeking more On-Call Firefighters. The role may appeal to people who want to serve their community while receiving retainer and call-out payments alongside other employment.
