Three new firefighters for the far north

Three new firefighters will join crews in the state’s far north after graduating from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) in Brisbane.

Sarah Warren (dux), Shane Given and Joshua Hyde have completed an intense 16 week course, and will begin work in the new year.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the QCESA has produced some of the finest firefighters in the world, and this group is no exception.

“The 43 graduates come from a varied background, including a personal trainer, a youth charity worker, and police officers,” she said.

The Commissioners 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. She will be based at Cairns station.

Shane Given will also be based in Cairns, while Joshua Hyde will go to Innisfail.

Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt said a number of recruits had already experienced the fire service through the auxiliary ranks.

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

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said 172 firefighters have graduated from the academy this year, compared to 92 last year.

“Recruits experienced some real life training during their course when they were called upon to assist in the clean up of the flooded Brisbane inner-city bypass during the recent storms.

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

Media Contact – Amanda Hart, 0400 708 526