Photos by Linny Folau and Caroline Manu Moli

The first combined training for Tonga's army, prisons and fire services recruits was completed today with a prize giving ceremony at Taliai Military Camp in Fua'amotu, where Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala reviewed the parade and presented awards.

A total of 75 firemen, soldiers and prison guard recruits completed their training with the 61^st Basic Recruit Intake for His Majesty's Armed Forces, Prisons and Fire Services.

Viliami Fonohema (18) from Falevai, Vava’u, living in Tofoa, was awarded a shield for the Best Overall Recruit. He was also awarded the Best Overall soldier recruit from HMAF, during the march out parade.

The Crown Prince congratulated the recruits for taking up this challenge and for choosing to serve the country.

"Your line of work is a life of sacrifice and this is the start of your responsibilities at your various workplaces. You have completed around three-months of tough training and I hope that you continue to work together and help each other and our country," he said.

The Crown Prince also extended his condolences to the wife, children and family of fallen fireman recruit Oscar Taione (31) who died last week, after collapsing during training at Pelehake.

The program had 22 trainers from HMAF, Prisons and Tonga Fire and Emergency Services who provided indoor lessons, drills, field training, physical training, weapons training, jungle warfare training, and other skills.

The recruits will now join the ranks of their workplaces. They included 65 soldiers (including one woman), five prison guards and four firemen. The training program started with an intake of 85.