Hundreds of new firefighters have joined the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), with a graduation ceremony held at the Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills, Western Sydney.
Making up the new intake are 61 new permanent firefighters, with an additional 164 qualifying as on-call firefighters.
Deployed all over NSW
Jihad Dib, said the 180 men and 45 women will be deployed all over NSW as they begin their new careers
Within the graduation is a great family story, with Heath Langdon (Father) being one of the instructors who taught his son, Haydn Langdon, who was part of the graduating class.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the 180 men and 45 women will be deployed all over NSW as they begin their new careers.
Fire and Rescue NSW's positive difference
“It speaks volumes that the overwhelming motive for joining Fire and Rescue NSW is to make a positive difference to the community and protect the irreplaceable: our loved ones, pets and homes,” Mr. Dib said.
“It takes a special type of person to risk their own life, to protect the lives of others but that’s what each of these firefighters have signed on for after spending up to 14 weeks studying their trade.”
“The 225 firefighters graduating today come from all walks of life and I congratulate all of them on their decision to join one of the most professional emergency service organizations in the world.”
NSW’s newest firefighters
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduation ceremony represents the beginning of a challenging
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduation ceremony represents the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding, career for NSW’s newest firefighters.
“A career at Fire and Rescue NSW involves more than fire. Our firefighters are ready to support our community at their time of greatest need in all sorts of ways,” Commissioner Baxter said.
Fire and hazardous material incidents
Baxter added: “They will conduct important prevention and education activities, as well as respond to a wide range of incidents across all of our capabilities, including technical rescue and road crashes, fire and hazardous material incidents, natural disasters like floods and bush fires and so much more."
“The firefighters graduating today have shown great determination, from the competitive application process to the demanding physical training, and they will go out into our communities armed with specialist skills to be prepared for anything.”