New firefighting recruits to help keep communities safe

Mark Shelton,Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The Hodgman Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of our firefighters and their efforts to keep our communities safe.

Recruiting new career firefighters is vital to maintaining the Tasmania Fire Services’ response strength and the latest trainees are four weeks in to their 15-week course, which will boost overall numbers to 323 career firefighters.

The Tasmania Fire Service is a highly sought after employer that is successfully attracting high quality applicants.

The 13 men and two women trainees, aged between 26 and 40, were recruited from some 724 applicants. The trainees come from a broad range of backgrounds and occupations including a former police officer from Scotland, and aircraft engineer, a nurse and an around-the-world-sailor.

The trainees focus their efforts on developing the skills and knowledge required to perform what is an incredibly diverse role, including responding to urban fires, wildfires, road crash rescue, delivering first aid, managing hazardous materials and developing leadership skills.

My congratulations to the trainees for their hard work to date, and I look forward to their graduation in October, before they begin work at career stations in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

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