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Fire investigators prepare for graduation

Firefighters and officers are preparing to celebrate their academic success during a special graduation ceremony.

The partnership between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) will see ten certificates awarded at a ceremony at its new training centre on Friday 6 November. Proud family members will watch as nine students from CDDFRS and one from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will be presented with their certificates by Professor Simon Hodgson, º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Pro- Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the School of Science & Engineering, and Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington.

Both courses have been run by CDDFRS fire investigation manager Lee Aspery, who devised the foundation degree, which is the only course of its kind in the country.

The degree involves an intensive two-year programme of study covering modules in forensic awareness, fire scene photography, forensic reconstruction, finger print recovery and fire scene investigation techniques. The UCP in Fire Investigation requires a one year study period and assessments in investigation, the science of fire and forensic evidence recovery.

Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington said: ‘Our new training centre, which officially opened on 6 October, is a fitting venue to host this special graduation ceremony. ‘I would like to congratulate all of the serving personnel who have successfully combined their demanding roles with practical and academic study to achieve these qualifications.

‘Firefighting and investigation are increasingly technical areas of work and we are keen to support our officers to ensure they are trained in the latest techniques and armed with the best research and information. We also aim to be a training centre of excellence - through our unique foundation degree and this successful partnership with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ we have trained officers from other fire services across the country for the past seven years.’

Professor Hodgson added: ‘It is wonderful to see another cohort graduate as a result of the outstanding partnership between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. It is a fine example of the University working with a major employer and professional service to develop key skills.’

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