QFRS welcomes newest recruits

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) has today welcomed 43 graduating recruits at the QFRS training facility located at Whyte Island. The ceremony was held at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) in Brisbane.

Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said the group was one of the largest to go through the Academy in recent years.

“QCESA has produced some of the finest firefighters in the world and this group is no exception with 100 per cent of the recruits graduating from the 78 day course.

“Whilst we are in the midst of an unprecedented global economic and financial downturn, the Bligh Government is committed to preserving essential frontline services,” he said.

The Commissioner’s Award for Dux of the Recruit Course was won by Firefighter Sarah Warren, previously in the Australian Army and one of two females on the course.

“The graduates here today come from a range of professional backgrounds – from a personal trainer to a youth charity worker - and an especially high number of former armed service personnel and police officers.

Most of the new entrants are taking up duties in the Brisbane region, with six going to south eastern, three to far northern, two to central, and one each to the north coast and northern regions.

“A number of the graduates here today have already experienced the fire service through the auxiliary ranks,” Mr Roberts said.

They also experienced some real-life training during their course when they were called upon to assist in the clean up of the flooded Inner City By-pass during the recent Brisbane storms.

“This is just the beginning of the new recruits’ training. It will continue throughout their career as they develop their skills,” Mr Roberts said.

In total this year, 172 firefighter recruits have graduated, which is a significant increase on last year’s recruitment of 92. This demonstrates the Bligh Government’s continued focus on reinforcing our frontline services.

Media contact: Malcolm Grieve 0427 822 676