New QFES Fire Communications graduates to soon be deployed

Published Friday, 24 August, 2018 at 09:56 AM

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Four QFES recruits who today (Friday) graduated as Fire Communications officers will soon start work in the state’s south, according to Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford.

Mr Crawford – who awarded the recruits with a Certificate III in Public Safety, Emergency Communications Centre Operations – said they were destined for the South Western, South Eastern and Brisbane Regions.

He said the recruits had undertaken a 14-week intensive training program at Lytton’s Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy.

“Their training gives them a thorough knowledge of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), and emergency and disaster operations, to ensure they can support the community and those in the field,” Mr Crawford said.

“Fire Communications officers play essential roles in Queensland communities and will be relied upon to be there to support people when disasters and emergencies strike.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government committed $29.5 million over four years to deliver an extra 12 fire communications officers and 100 new firefighters across the state.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll congratulated the recruits for committing to a career that was demanding and challenging – awarding one graduate the Commissioner’s Dux Award for their outstanding achievements.

“The graduates have completed training in basic firefighting fundamentals, emergency and non-emergency call taking, dispatching, full incident management, Computer Aided Dispatch Systems and various other technologies and processes utilised within a Fire Communications Centre,” Ms Carroll said.

“Fire Communications officers are the bridge between the public distress calls and the fire service to help communities in times of need – their guidance in those critical first few minutes of an emergency is essential.

“I have no doubt these recruits will provide people in need with support during emergencies, which will assist in building resilient communities by minimising harm to people, property and the environment,” she said.

ENDS

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