TWO Callington men have passed intense training to become much-needed retained firefighters in the town.

Brodie Floyd, a local builder, and Matthew Borlase, who works at Samworth Brothers, have qualified and undergone arduous physical and written tests — and completed a two-week extensive training course at Tolvaddon near Camborne.

Brodie and Matthew, both former Callington Primary School and college students, have always aspired to be firefighters since an early age.

Brodie, in particular, is following the family tradition as his dad Rob was a firefighter for Callington for more than 25 years.

Brodie, 33, who owns East Cornwall Property Care, said he was pleased to complete the training and be a part of the station in Callington.

‘I completed the interview and the practical and physical tests, attended four drill nights at the station on Mondays and then completed two weeks’ intense training.

‘My dad was a firefighter since I was a child, until five years ago when he retired, and it was always in my plans to follow in his footsteps.’

Portreeve Mark Smith, who was a firefighter for Callington up until last year, said he was delighted the two men have taken on a role which supports the town.

’Both Brodie and Matthew are local men and with the family connection Brodie understands what makes a firefighter and Matthew has always wanted to be a firefighter.

‘I am very happy these two men have taken up the responsibility to the community and I wish them all the best for their careers.’

Callington Fire Station is still in need of retained firefighters and anyone interested should contact the Fire and Rescue Service recruitment via email [email protected]

Callington Town Council’s clerk Helen Dowdall hoped other people would soon join the station as a retained firefighter: ‘We are delighted to have two young Callington men that are not only staying in the town to work but are giving something back to the town and we are delighted to support them. We hope that their story will inspire other men and women to come forward and join the team and make the town a safe place.’