18 Bridgwater & Taunton College students graduated from the first ever 999 Academy Bridgwater this week, where high profile members of the fire, ambulance, police, search and rescue services, Bridgwater Town Council and the College were present to celebrate with them.

Before their graduation ceremony the students were inspected by Watch Manager Jim Weston, from Bridgwater Fire Station, to ensure their attire was of the high standards expected by the emergency services in readiness to receive their guests.

The evening consisted of a three course sit down meal, where families, friends and invited guests could congratulate the graduating students on their amazing achievements and hear about the activities and experiences they encountered throughout their 18 month training programme.

Ruth Burrows, Bridgwater & Taunton College Lead for the 999 Academy organised and hosted the evening, she commented,

I have supported the Bridgwater 999 Academy for the last three years and am passionate about the skills and achievements the students have acquired. Three of them have graduated this year with firm job opportunities with the police and fire services which is phenomenal and shows the value and worth of this amazing programme. None of this could have happened without the backing and support of the emergency services, who volunteer their time every week to deliver on the programme and is what makes the 999 Academy unique.

Students were presented with certificates to confirm their completion of the 999 Academy and their first aid knowledge. Five special awards were also handed out on the evening to recognise those who have excelled on the programme. Award winners and sponsors of each award were:

• The Bridgwater & Taunton College Outstanding Participation Award was presented to Aiden Chinnock. Aiden said, “I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of and experience the 999 Academy. I now feel confident that I will be able to deal with emergency incidents if I should need to.”
• SWASFT Award for Most Enthusiastic Learner went to Cody Austin
• Avon and Somerset Police Award for Most Effective Communicator was won by Starlena Hancock. Starlena said, “The opportunities I’ve received have been amazing and helped shape my future career. The skills I have acquired I utilised in my application to Avon and Somerset Police where I will start work as a Call Handler in June!”
• The DSFRS Award for The Best Team Player was presented to Keavey Rossiter
• The Bridgwater 999 Academy Award for Student of the Year was Ellis Pearce

Sue Mountstevens, Police & Crime Commissioner said,

The 999 Academy offers a great opportunity for students to get an insight to the emergency services first hand and the skills learnt to take into the work place and life.

If you would like to know more about the Bridgwater 999 Academy, contact Ruth Burrows at Bridgwater & Taunton College on 012578 455464.