The UK’s first firefighter wearing a bone anchored hearing aid has joined Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Dave Newman is currently taking part in training course. He has been supported through some high-risk exercises to ensure he, and others like him, can become firefighters.

Chief Fire Officer, Steve Owen-Hughes, said: “I am so thankful to Lucie, Dave and the team who conducted this exercise. Not only does it mean that we can welcome Dave and others who may have the same hearing aid into the service, it’s a breakthrough for all UK Fire and Rescue Services.

“As an industry, we’re all working hard to make our services more diverse and inclusive so that we can better represent, communicate and engage with the people who we serve – therefore keeping them safe. This is an example of how we can think and work outside of the box to achieve this.”

Dave said: “I hope this encourages other people who are living with single sided impairment or are part of the diverse and underrepresented community to apply to join blue light services because I am thoroughly looking forward to my new career.”