Yesterday, seven Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service recruits became probationary firefighters, the first class trained in both structural firefighting and aircraft rescue firefighting.

The new training programme is just one stage in the merger of the three fire services into one cohesive unit, said chief fire officer Vincent Hollinsid.

"Today is the realisation of one component of that structure," said Mr. Hollinsid at the firefighters passing out ceremony. "We now have in front of us the first group of firefighters who are trained and certified to operate in a structured firefighting environment, aircraft firefighter and rescue environment, and provide emergency medical services."

The ceremony followed six months of heavy training, both on the Island and at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada.

Probationary firefighter Mark Pacheco, who earned the highest academic achievement award, described the course as challenging, but the instructors kept them moving forward.

"We all had times we felt like we had given all we could and couldn't give any more," Mr. Pacheco said.

In the future, the cross-training of Bermuda's fire services will continue, with the Airport Operations Division being trained in structural and emergency medical technician disciplines, while Clearwater Fire Station personnel will be trained in aircraft firefighting.

The two staffs will cross over even moreso, with the Clearwater Station moving its operations to the airport station.

After being given certificates by Minister of Home Affairs Sen. David Burch, the seven firefighters demonstrated their skills with simulated emergencies, removing the roof of a car to safely rescue a trapped driver and responding to an aircraft fire.

Between interruptions from planes taking off and landing, Sen. Burch told the recruits that their training will soon be put to good use.

"The training you received will serve you well," said Col Burch. "Thank you for providing timely, quality, and effective emergency services."