One of Scotland’s newest firefighters has told how he was inspired by the bravery of rescue teams after witnessing devastating earthquakes in South America.
Cesar Colorado successfully completed his firefighter training with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), following a grueling 13-week training course. He graduated at a ceremony in Motherwell Civic Center on Friday, 18 August, alongside 44 new Wholetime Firefighters and three Operations Control Firefighters.
Early fascination with firefighting
Cesar developed an early fascination with firefighting, after witnessing the rescue teams at work
Cesar Colorado is now preparing to start his new role with Amber Watch at Peterhead Community Fire Station in Aberdeenshire.
Born and raised in Colombia, Cesar developed an early fascination with firefighting, after witnessing the rescue teams at work, during the devastating earthquake that shook his home country in 1999.
He said: “Becoming a firefighter has been a dream come true. It's an honor to be part of a team that works together to ensure the safety of others.”
firefighter role with the SFRS
Cesar Colorado originally moved to Spain and pursued an engineering career before transferring to Scotland in 2014. It was a journey that led him to Aberdeen, where he decided to apply for a firefighter role with the SFRS. The path to becoming a firefighter was not without its challenges.
It was a journey that led him to Aberdeen, where he decided to apply for a firefighter role with the SFRS
Navigating a foreign land, adapting to a new language, and undergoing rigorous physical training. However, Cesar praised the support from his trainers and fellow graduates.
Looking back to where he started, Cesar said: “It’s an honor to graduate today. I’m proud of myself. And the job is going to be so rewarding.”
Unwavering dedication and commitment
Joining Cesar at the graduation ceremony are Firefighter Control Steven Walker and Liam Urquhart, who graduated from the Control Trainee Course and will be stationed at Edinburgh’s Operations Control. Liam Urquhart said: “We look forward to learning and getting the job done over the next three years.”
Ross Haggart is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer. He said: “It's an honor to welcome these new firefighters into our family. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the values of SFRS have been nothing short of inspiring. They are now set to integrate into their respective stations across the country and help protect Scotland’s communities.”