New recruits join firefighting ranks
Published: 31st May 2012
A class of 24 new fire officers will join the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) after graduating at the State Training College at Alexandria today.
Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services, Geoff Provest, attended the graduation ceremony to congratulate the new recruits on successfully completing the gruelling 13-week course. He also presented ten National Medals and Long Service Medals to FRNSW officers for their dedication over 15, 25, 30, and 35 years.
“The recruits have been trained in firefighting, road accident and high angle rescue, community risk management, fire technology and hazardous materials management,” Mr Provest said.
“They will now put their intensive training into action, joining suburban fire crews across the Sydney metropolitan area.’’
Mr Provest said the role of a modern-day fire officer was diverse.
“The role of a fire officer is not only to rescue 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,” Mr Provest said.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner John Benson said thousands of men and women applied for more than 70 firefighting positions to be filled at fire stations across NSW this year.
“We want communities throughout NSW to be served by a modern and dynamic firefighting workforce that reflects the diversity, culture and skills of society. We are thrilled with the response FRNSW has had to the recruitment campaign,” said Acting Commissioner Benson.
“Today’s graduates include a former chemical plant operator, a dance teacher, an Australian Army soldier, and a deckhand on super-yachts.”
“These are men and women with different ages and life experiences, including three dads and a mum. The graduates reflect the diversity of cultures, skills and life experience FRNSW sought in its workforce throughout NSW.
“They all have a very high level of physical fitness. Some have even represented Australia in World Championship events, including in Cycling, Women’s Soccer, and Oztag.”
The firefighters will take up positions across the Sydney metropolitan area, including: Ashfield, Baulkham Hills, Cranebrook, Drummoyne, Gladesville, Guildford, Huntingwood, Marrickville, Moree, Pyrmont, Redfern, Ryde, Schofields, Seven Hills, Silverwater, Smithfield, City of Sydney, and The Rocks.