Firefighter graduates prepare for life beyond training

Three men have left their jobs in civil construction, project management and sail making to become firefighters in central Queensland.

The men, along with 29 other new firefighters, graduated from recruit course 72 at a ceremony in Chandler today.

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said Jason Fothergill, Steven Long and Blair Mitchell will be welcomed to the region later this week.

“I’m sure this has been a tough process, but both the new firefighters and their families are now about to embark on a challenging and rewarding career,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Today’s ceremony ends the gruelling recruitment and training program, designed to ensure those who graduate as firefighters are of the highest calibre.

“All today’s graduates and indeed all Queensland residents can take comfort in the fact that Queensland has one of the most highly regarded firefighter recruit courses in the world.”

Following 16 weeks of intensive training in areas such as structural fires, bushfires, road crashes and chemical incidents, the 32-strong class spent the morning showing off their newly acquired skills and celebrating their achievement with family and friends.

Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the firefighter graduates are now fully qualified to begin work as soon as they arrive at their station.

“The recruits have enjoyed celebrating their achievements here today, but they will now undertake induction before starting shift work next week,” Mr Wendt said.

“Last year we had 92 QFRS recruits come through, but this year we’ll see more than 170 firefighters graduate. This group is the fourth to graduate with another to come this calendar year.”

Twelve of the 32 recruits have been allocated to fire stations in the Brisbane region, seven will service the South East region (Beenleigh and Gold Coast), six will provide service in the Northern Region (Ingham, Townsville and Ayr), three firefighters will go to the Central Region (Rockhampton and Mackay), three will go to the Far Northern Region (Cairns) and one firefighter will serve in the North Coast Region (Maryborough).

(Local graduate photo available)

Media Contact - Chantelle Rule - 3247 8194