A new chapter in the history of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has been written now, with Jeremy Fewtrell formally recognized as the state's 23rd Fire Commissioner.
Commissioner Fewtrell has been honored in a 'Commencement of Command' ceremony during the Graduation Day at FRNSW's Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills in Sydney's west.
Commissioner's black helmet
The occasion was marked by Her Excellency, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW
The occasion was marked by Her Excellency, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW, formally presenting the new Commissioner with the Commissioner's black helmet.
This historic day has also seen a new intake of 79 permanent and 193 on-call firefighters officially graduate and begin a journey that will see them join stations around the state.
Within the graduation are many great family stories, with Qualified firefighter Melinda McDonald acting as Master of Ceremonies, while looking on proudly as her son, Ethan McDonald, graduated to join her as part of the Fire and Rescue NSW family.
Deployed all over NSW careers
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the 235 men and 37 women will be deployed all over NSW as they begin their new careers.
"It speaks volumes that the overwhelming motivation 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," said Mr. Jihad Dib.
New firefighters
Jihad Dib continues: "It takes a special type of person to dedicate their time to protecting the lives of others, and these new firefighters have been training and studying for the past 14 weeks to hone their trade."
He further states, "The 272 firefighters graduating today come from all walks of life and I congratulate all of them on their decision to join the professional emergency service organization that is Fire and Rescue NSW."
NSW's newest firefighters
Fewtrell said the graduation ceremony represents the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career for NSW
Commissioner Fewtrell said the graduation ceremony represents the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career for NSW's newest firefighters.
"A career at Fire and Rescue NSW offers so many diverse opportunities. Our firefighters are ready to support our community at their time of greatest need in all sorts of ways," said Commissioner Fewtrell.
Fire and hazardous material incidents
Commissioner Fewtrell 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 rescues and road crashes, fire and hazardous material incidents, natural disasters like floods and bush fires, and so much more."
He continues, "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."
