Broken Hill firefighting ranks bolstered
Published: 9th September 2011
Two permanent firefighters will join the ranks at Broken Hill Fire Station after graduating at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) State Training College at Alexandria, Sydney, today.
Former Broken Hill retained (or on-call) firefighters Gary Price and Clayton Spencer were among 20 graduates who successfully completed the gruelling 12-week training course.
Firefighter Price, 47, a former manager and club industry worker, said he wanted to become a permanent firefighter because of the career opportunities.
“It is also a way to give something back to the community,” he said.
Firefighter Spencer, 37, a former carpenter, said after five years as a retained firefighter he wanted to “step up” to a permanent role.
“I really enjoyed my time at the State Training College, learning so much and meeting some great people,” he said.
The graduates have been trained in firefighting, road accident rescue, community risk management, fire technology and hazardous materials management.
FRNSW Riverina Zone Commander Superintendent Andy Cozens congratulated Firefighters Price and Spencer on their graduation from the course.
“Firefighters Price and Spencer, who will fill two newly-created permanent firefighter places at Broken Hill, will start their shifts next week,” Superintendent Cozens said.
“This is a great result for the Broken Hill community. Broken Hill fire crews now comprise a Station Officer and four firefighters on each platoon and the increase in permanent firefighter numbers has resulted in local job appointments.”
FRNSW Acting Commissioner John Benson wished today’s graduates every success as they begin an exciting new career with FRNSW.
“Part of the appeal of becoming a FRNSW firefighter is that the role offers diversity,” he said.
“Firefighters not only save people from burning buildings and road accidents but they offer expertise ranging from fire investigation to educating and providing advice to the community on fire safety,” he said.
Caption: Firefighter Price and Firefighter Spencer join the ranks at Broken Hill Fire Station after graduating at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) State Training College at Alexandria, Sydney.