Ipswich welcomes 16 new QFRS officers

Sixteen new Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) recruits have spent their first day on the job in Ipswich.

In total, 30 new officers started work across the state today and have joined stations in Brisbane, Bowen, Innisfail, Gladstone, Charters Towers, Mackay, Toowoomba and Ipswich.

Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey along with Member for Ipswich Ian Berry and Member for Ipswich West Sean Choat met with the new Ipswich-based officers today.

“These officers have just completed three months of intense training and it’s great to see them taking up their positions here in Ipswich,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Our Government is committed to providing the best possible frontline services, and these new officers will be an asset to this community.”

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry said he was thrilled to have 16 new officers starting their careers in the region.

“Our community has faced some of its toughest challenges over the past few years and the QFRS has been instrumental in helping the region get back on its feet,” Mr Berry said.

“Firefighters make an invaluable contribution to our community and we are grateful to have them here.”

Member for Ipswich West Sean Choat said some of the recruits would be stationed at the new replacement Ripley Fire and Rescue Station and Brassall Fire Station once construction works were complete.

“We expect the multimillion dollar replacement Ripley Fire and Rescue Station to be finished in a few weeks and the Brassall station shortly after,” Mr Choat said.

“These stations will significantly improve day-to-day working conditions and allow our officers to continue providing quality services to the community.”

[ENDS] 6 May 2013

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