A single salute from Jack Sullivan marked the end of CFA stand-alone recruit training as CFA and MFB recruits transition into integrated training in the future.
Jack was the final CFA recruit to receive his certificate at Saturday’s graduation ceremony and said he’s excited to be heading to South Morang Fire Station for his first shift later in the week.
“I am starting this Thursday on night shift at South Morang. I met the guys on my shift last week and they were great, I'm looking forward to getting into it,” said Jack.
“There are many things I'm excited for in my new career. It’s hard to pin point just one aspect as there are so many opportunities now as a firefighter.”
“At the moment, I'm just looking forward to starting with my new crew and putting everything we have learnt over the last 19 weeks into practice.”
As a former plumber, Jack said getting to work in a team environment played a big part in his decision to become a firefighter.
“I was looking for a rewarding career in a team environment. I’ve always loved being part of a team with footy and other sports,” he said.
“I was a plumber before this and my heart just wasn't in it, so being able to help people in their time of need really appealed to me.”
Building new friendships and team building exercises were among the highlights of the 19 week course for Jack.
“The days in Bendigo were definitely a highlight with the team building activities and the day in the mine, but the best thing about the recruit course for me would be the friendships I made,” he said.
“19 weeks ago we were all strangers but you go through a lot together and I'm proud to say I've made some great friends.”
Although the recruits faced many challenging times throughout their course, they all pulled together to come out stronger on the other side.
“During the course you’re constantly learning new things which can be quite tiring, but that's where you rely on your team mates,” he said.
“Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses and it was great that if anyone ever needed help one of the boys could lend a hand.”
A new fully integrated training program will be in introduced later this month for all Victorian career firefighters, forging stronger relationships for firefighters who will be working together from the very start of their recruit course.
“I feel very privileged to be the last recruit for the stand alone courses, the CFA has a great history so not only just me but for everyone involved I think its great honour to be a part of that,” Jack said.
The new recruits contribute to CFA’s commitment to the Victorian Government to recruit and train 350 career firefighters by 2018, as part of the 350 Firefighter Program (P350).
Author: CFA Media