Twelve weeks of intensive training at the College, across a wide range of disciplines, culminated in a graduation ceremony for 104 Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defence learners from the Station Commander Development Course. The training provided individuals with unique and challenging training scenarios and input designed to test their practical firefighting skills, leadership ability and attributes.

Congratulating the learners on their success, Graham McKenzie, Course Director said “Years from now, you will look back on your time here at the College and you will not believe how the time has passed. You will think about the trainers you worked with, you will marvel at the achievements of some of your classmates and reflect on your own development.  You will remember the wonderful times that led you to this moment: a frosty walk into town in March; a day on the drill towers when you thought it was too windy to be safe; a chilly soaking on the fire ground in May and the many friends you have made.

“The College is more than a centre of excellence for learning; we are also a community. We firmly believe that the opportunity to meet, socialise and learn from instructors, as well as emergency services colleagues from all over the world is one of the most valuable aspects of what we do. On behalf of the College, I wish you every success in your future careers and hope that you will return to the College in the future.”