Queensland welcomes 23 new firefighters

Published Friday, 05 August, 2016 at 10:12 AM

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Twenty-three urban firefighter recruits have joined the ranks of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) after graduating at a ceremony at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in Lytton today.

The recruits will take up positions in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Townsville, Innisfail and the Tablelands in far north Queensland.

Member for Ferny Grove, Mark Furner, represented Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Anthony Lynham at the ceremony.

Mr Furner said the new firefighters had chosen an honourable profession dedicated to protecting others.

“Queensland communities rely on our firefighters to keep them safe and to see them through times of distress and disaster,” he said.

“The recruits graduating today are embarking on a career that will at times be challenging as they take on the vital role of safeguarding the lives of Queenslanders.

“I have no doubt each recruit will rise to this challenge and make an invaluable contribution to and in their communities.”

QFES Acting Commissioner Mark Roche said the new urban firefighters had undergone a rigorous recruitment and training process in readiness for their new roles.

“Today’s graduates have met the highest standard of physical and mental fitness required for these demanding and important roles,” he said.

“The department’s recruit firefighter selection program is uncompromising and Queensland communities can be assured that only the best people for the job are appointed.

“The successful completion of our intensive 78-day course sees the recruits leave the academy well-equipped with the necessary skills to respond to a range of emergencies, including firefighting, road crash and technical rescue, and hazardous material management,” he said.

As well as constant on-the-job training, urban firefighters continue formal studies in firefighting and emergency operations for two and half years after graduation, further building their skills and enhancing the department’s service delivery for Queensland.

Today’s graduates takes the total number of QFES recruit firefighters appointed since February 2015 to 133, with 36 of those appointed this year.

QFES media:                                      (07) 3635 3310

ENDS  5 August 2016