This Saturday 8th of June sees new wholetime firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service take part in a ‘Chief’s Challenge’.
They did it. Watch the video.
Newly appointed firefighters will be attempting to pull a fire engine weighing approximately 18-tonnes through Leicester City Centre, not once, not twice but three times!
The challenge will take place in Humberstone Gate at 1pm on Saturday 8 June. The team will then attempt the same challenge again at 2pm and 3pm, with the aim to improve the ‘pull’ each time.
At the beginning of their firefighter training, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Rick Taylor, set a challenge for the new recruits to come up with a charity event.
The trainees could choose the event, but they had to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, who provide care, support and relief for current, retired and past firefighters.
The team are also raising money for the Bodie Hodges Foundation, who support families who have been bereaved of a child of any age and promotes organ donation.
Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Rick Taylor said: “I set the challenge for our newest recruits to raise money for ‘our’ charity; The Fire Fighters Charity. I wanted them to do a challenge that would allow them to grow together, not just as a group but as a team.
“I am really pleased they came up with the idea of the fire engine pull and have also decided to raise money for another fantastic cause.
“Not only will they be tested physically and mentally in doing this challenge, they will also be showing great team work and commitment. I, along with the rest of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service wish them all the best and we hope that the community will come along and show them support.”
Newly appointed wholetime firefighter Jamal Masri, said: “We are currently over half way through our firefighter training and will be joining our stations in July, but this challenge set by the Chief has given us another opportunity to push ourselves and work well as a team.
“We would greatly appreciate any support from our communities – either by coming down and supporting us on Saturday or making a donation to our chosen charities.”
As well as the Chief’s Challenge, there will be plenty of fun things to do with the family including fire engines to look around, prizes to be won and a chance to talk to Fire Cadets and wholetime firefighters.
To find out more about the Chief’s Challenge and to donate, visit