A live fire demonstration highlighted the 1999 Bermuda Fire Service Recruit's Passing Out Parade on Thursday afternoon.

The recruits showed off their new skills before friends and family members as well as senior fire officers and local dignitaries.

The 12 recruits, led by class president Albert (Jay) Donawa, have just completed 22 weeks of training, including time spent in the UK with the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Of 167 applicants, only these 12 successfully completed the training in firefighting and emergency medical techniques.

Chief Fire Officer Reginald Rawlins congratulated the new recruits and outlined the training the recruits had to endure, including being in fires with temperatures up to 800 degrees.

Minister of Home Affairs Paula Cox also congratulated the recruits and told them that working together was the key to success.

She stressed that as the new recruits embarked on their new career they should be proud of themselves for choosing a noble career dedicated to the service of the community.

Two recruits were selected for special awards. The most outstanding recruit was Jamal N. Albuoy and well-known runner Mr. Donawa was the recruit with the highest academic scores.

After the recruits marched past, the drill demonstration began with a car being set alight. The Fire Service's lift vehicle was also used to show how fires in multi-storey buildings are put out.