Bermuda’s proud new airport firefighters were hailed as “dedicated individuals who have answered the call to serve” at a ceremony in Hamilton Fire Station.

The ten braved training in the wintry north of England as part of their 16 weeks’ coaching to assume essential duties at the LF Wade International Airport.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell listed the ten recruits’ new credentials built up over “arduous” months of training together.

“The success of this course has tremendously elevated the resilience of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service,” he said.

“This is significant, especially in a time of immense budgetary restraint.”

Mr Lovell congratulated the ten for “a job well done”.

“The reality is that the opportunity for success lies within the person and not the job. It’s a state of mind. Therefore, if you want success, think of yourself as a success.”

Michael Weeks, the national security minister, declared himself “elated” to welcome the recruits to the end of a journey begun last November.

“It is awe-inspiring that they have accomplished so much in such a short period.”

Mr Weeks also applauded their families, telling the gathering: “Without your love and encouragement, these individuals would not have been able to achieve what they have.”

The new firefighters are Nathan Robinson, Ronnie Pitcher, Ashton Durham, Jakida Richardson, Ramsay Saggar, Marquis Cann, Zeico Swan, Jake Fox, Amaury Majors and Treyshun Sanders.

The ceremony closed with the presentation of awards — with Mr Majors taking the statuette for best firefighter of the group that trained in Newcastle.

Mr Majors was also given the plaque for the most academic recruit.

Marquis Cann received the plaque for the best recruit for Bermuda.