QFES graduates with Joan Pease MP. Photo: Supplied.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) ranks were boosted following a firefighter recruit graduation at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in Lytton today.
Representing the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan MP at the recently held ceremony, Member for Lytton Joan Pease MP, said the graduates would be deployed to regions across Queensland to take up their role as frontline responders to emergency and disaster events.
“It is great to see another 12 firefighters joining QFES’ ranks ready to make a difference to Queensland communities,” Ms Pease said.
“All recruits have undertaken an intense 80-day training program where they completed specialised training units for live fire behaviour, bushfire training, road crash rescue, technical rescue and hazardous materials management.
“QFES expects the highest standards from its firefighters and these graduates have shown they are dedicated and committed to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform this important role.
“When they take up their positions in communities around Queensland, they will be relied upon to act when disasters and emergencies strike.
In completing the course, firefighters were presented with a Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations).
QFES Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche said the firefighter training course prepared graduates to lead their communities when disasters and emergencies occurred.
“They will now embark on their new career, supporting their local communities with fire and emergency responses and educating them in prevention and preparedness activities, which helps to build a more resilient Queensland,” Mr Roche said.
“QFES has a proud history of working with the people of Queensland, and I believe these recruits will continue to provide the vital fire and emergency services our state needs.
“The dedication and hard work shown by these recruits through this first phase of their training reflects our values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust.
“Responding to incidents, confronting disasters and working to protect people, businesses and the environment will become part of their daily working life.”
Recruits will continue their studies over the next three years, completing a Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) and a Certificate III in Public Safety (Community Safety).
