The legacy of firefighting passed from one generation to the next as the Western Australian Career Fire and Rescue Service today welcomed 23 new recruits into its ranks.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby attended the WA Fire and Emergency Services Academy today, congratulating the latest graduates at a ceremony that also honoured six retiring firefighters.
Firefighters from Trainee Firefighter School 87, who will be deployed to stations in Perth and Kalgoorlie, have completed 21 weeks of intense practical and theoretical training.
The course includes specialised training in marine and aviation fire response, HAZMAT, road crash rescue and structural firefighting.
More than 1,000 people applied for the highly competitive program and the graduates’ backgrounds range from military, horticulture, accounting, teaching and physiotherapy.
Several of the new recruits had previous experience through volunteering with the State Emergency Service, Surf Life Saving, Bush Fire Brigades or Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
The retiring firefighters honoured at today’s ceremony each served more than 30 years, spending time in regional postings and specialist roles including training, intelligence and hazards planning and State operations.
For more information on career and volunteer positions visit https://dfes.wa.gov.au/careers
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
“I congratulate the graduates of Trainee Firefighter School 87 for their commitment and resilience over the past five months.
“More than 1,000 applications were received for these highly competitive placements, highlighting the calibre of firefighters joining our ranks ahead of bushfire season.
“The new recruits will be deployed across both metropolitan and regional stations, ready to protect the community as we enter our busiest period over summer.
“On behalf of all Western Australians, I also deeply thank our retiring firefighters who represent more than 180 years of exemplary service.”
