***VISION ALERT*** GRADUATION DAY FOR MORE THAN 250 NEW FIRE AND RESCUE NSW FIREFIGHTERS - Orchard Hills
Published: 28 Jun 2024 02:46pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) today welcomed more than 250 new firefighters to its ranks at a graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills in Sydney’s west.
Making up the new intake are 59 new permanent firefighters, with an additional 194 qualifying as on-call firefighters.
Many of the new first responders already hail from a community service background including teachers, army personnel, paramedics and lifeguards. Their new careers with FRNSW will see them continuing to help the people of NSW.
Third-generation firefighter, 23-year-old Connor Lambert, is one example of the graduating class who have a strong connection to Fire and Rescue NSW and public service through his family.
His grandfather, John, joined the RAAF in 1956 and was an air force firefighter for 20 years. After leaving the armed forces, he became a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for a further 20 years.
Connor’s father is FRNSW’s Duty Commander Metro West, Kernin Lambert. A career firefighter of 28 years, Kernin was also awarded an AFSM in 2017, the highest honour that recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib congratulated the recruits on their graduation and for their commitment to protecting their local communities.
“Firefighting is vital and sometimes dangerous work, but it’s also a rewarding career, and I thank all of our new firefighters for putting their hands up to serve our communities,” Mr Dib said.
“There are many great stories of why these graduates have chosen a career as a firefighter and through the training they have received they are now well equipped to protect communities. I look forward to seeing this group boosting our frontline services and I wish them all long, prosperous and safe careers as NSW firefighters.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said FRNSW is one of the most professional, well-equipped and highly trained firefighting and rescue organisations in the world.
“It takes a special kind of person to put the safety of others ahead of their own and to help those in most need,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“From today, you work for an organisation which, along with other emergency services personnel, are central to the local community’s sense of safety and peace of mind.
“There are generations upon generations of community trust built up in local fire stations and you will help maintain it through the work you do.
“Congratulations on your graduation and I wish you all the very best as you embark upon your new journey, serving the community with courage, integrity and distinction.”
Many of the graduates have already started at their new fire stations, others will join their new platoons from Monday.
Media note - FRNSW footage of the graduation: https://vimeo.com/970307389/ee6bcc2c7d?share=copy [external link]
Grabs from FRNSW Commissioner and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib: https://vimeo.com/970306191/72e6789126?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 28 Jun 2024 02:51pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
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