Big-hearted fire service recruits have pulled together for two charities whose values of service they share.

It came as the latest cohort of recruits prepared to fly to Newcastle in England this week for additional training to become firefighters.

The group held a car wash fundraiser last month in aid of the cancer charity Pals Bermuda and the Mirrors Programme, a personal development charity dedicated to the island’s youth.

Sergeant Steven Caisey opened a presentation at the Hamilton Fire Station yesterday where recruits gathered to present more than $2,500 raised in a day’s work, divided between the two.

Sergeant Caisey told them: “Integrity, dignity, hard work, respect and leadership are at the core of what has built and continues to drive the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service daily.

“Not only do we value community, but we believe in recognising those organisations who share those very same values.”

He added: “After careful consideration, the two charities were chosen due to the connection the recruits have with them.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, commended the “hard work and selflessness” of the 11 recruits who organised the event.

“Their actions were the latest in a long heritage of duty and service to the community by the men and women who make up the Fire and Rescue Service.”

He also thanked Lacey Rance, marketing co-ordinator for Pals, and Jeanene Todd, programmes manager at Mirrors.

Mr Weeks added: “I hope everyone on the island will take notice of these two fine organisations, and consider how they can contribute just as our recruits are doing today.”