- State's
newest firefighters complete intense 21-week training course
- School
includes firefighter from the UK and former television producer from
Victoria
Western
Australia's firefighting frontline has been given a major boost with 29 recruits
today graduating from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' 90th
Trainee Firefighter School, with some travelling from as far as the United
Kingdom.
The graduates
were selected from more than 1200 applicants. Their diverse professional
backgrounds will bring a unique set of skills and experience to the State's emergency
services.
Among
the cohort joining the Career Fire and Rescue Service, is a former nurse, a teacher,
an electrician and six emergency services volunteers.
The
school also featured several people who have emigrated to WA, including a
female firefighter from the United Kingdom, a television producer from Victoria,
and former Defence Force personnel from the Northern Territory.
The 26
men and three women were put through their paces in a gruelling practical and
theoretical training program, designed to prepare them for responding to fires,
HAZMAT incidents and road crash rescues.
The
trainees are now equipped with skills to perform heavy rescues, respond to
structure fires requiring breathing apparatus, manage injuries at an incident,
and provide marine fire support.
Each of
the recruits will begin their service at various locations across the State
including Perth, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and Albany.
For more
information on a firefighting career visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"On behalf of the Cook
Government, I'd like to congratulate this dedicated and committed team of
individuals, who have put an incredible amount of work and sacrifice into this journey
to becoming firefighters.
"In what was a highly competitive
selection process, each of the recruits has proven they have what it takes to
keep the community safe.
"These recruits
understand their job goes beyond fighting fires, and they have already taken
steps to perform their role in community education through school visits."
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm
AFSM:
"Working in emergency
services is an opportunity to make a real difference in your community, and it's
wonderful to see such a diverse range of skills and experience among the latest
trainee firefighter school.
"With the bushfire season
just over two months away, the 29 new firefighters will make a fantastic contribution
towards a safer Western Australia.
"I wish them all the best
as they embark on their new careers in the coming weeks."
