New firefighter for the North Coast

A new firefighter will join a north coast crew after graduating from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) in Brisbane.

Andrew Smith has completed an intense 16 week course, and will begin work in the new year at Bundaberg.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts 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, to a youth charity worker, to police officers, with the Director General’s Award for Best Safe Practice won by Mr Smith," he said.

There were two females who graduated in the course.

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

A number of recruits have already experienced the fire service through the auxiliary ranks.

One hundred and seventy two 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,” Mr Roberts said.

“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