NRL great Dane fired up about new career

Former rugby league test favourite Dane Carlaw is one of thirty new Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) officers to join the service today.

Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey extended his congratulations to the new recruits, who will join stations in Brisbane, Bowen, Innisfail, Gladstone, Charters Towers, Ipswich, Mackay and Toowoomba.

“Throughout the past three months these men and women have put in the hard yards to earn their place as firefighters,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Whether it’s rescuing a family from a burning home, freeing a person from a car crash or performing a swift water rescue, they are now prepared for the challenges they will face as QFRS officers.”

Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers Ted Malone said the recruits would bring a range of experiences and life skills to the QFRS and the communities they will serve.

“Graduates include three former Australian Defence Force personnel, a Queensland Police Service officer, two QFRS Communications Officers and a former NRL star,” Mr Malone said.

“Many of the graduates also have prior firefighting experience."

QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson welcomed the graduates into the QFRS.

“It’s a great honour to welcome yet another group of highly skilled and motivated individuals into the ranks,” Mr Johnson said.

“As a service, we pride ourselves on our strong commitment to the development and training of our personnel to adequately prepare them for station life.

“Today’s graduates will leave the academy ready to serve the community to the highest standard.”

[ENDS] 3 May 2013

Media Contact: Alexandra Foley 0418 256 910 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116