CFA added 29 new firefighters to its ranks today after an official graduation ceremony at Victoria’s state training centre in Craigieburn.
With their family, friends and dignitaries watching on at the Victorian Emergency Management Training College (VEMTC) in Craigieburn, the recruits took part in a parade and a ‘hot fire’ demonstration marking the end of 19 weeks of intensive training.
Watch the graduation ceremony, including live firefighting displays, live here.
CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson welcomed the 29 new recruits to the CFA family.
“These 29 individuals have pushed themselves to their limits - both physically and mentally - to successfully graduate,” he said.
“They will play a key role in supporting our volunteers while protecting and serving the community at integrated stations across the state.
“They have learned and practiced the skills they need to embark on their new careers as firefighters. They should feel proud of their achievement.”
From next week, the new firefighters will take up postings at 13 stations across outer Melbourne and regional Victoria, at Ballarat City, Belmont, Cranbourne, Eltham, Mildura, Mornington, Ocean Grove, Pakenham, Patterson River, Rosebud, Rowville, Springvale and Traralgon.
Aged between 23 and 43, and coming from a range of backgrounds, the new career firefighters bring with them various skills including trades, mechanical, leadership, education and management.
Eleven of the new 29 recruits have previous firefighting experience gained through volunteer service for CFA.
Several of the new firefighters will be making a huge lifestyle change, re-locating to different parts of the state and becoming part of their new communities.
Career firefighters support CFA’s 55,000 volunteers by attending incidents ranging from structure and bushfires to rescue, hazardous materials, and car accidents. They also deliver fire education at schools.
Photos courtesy of Blair Dellemijn, CFA
Author: CFA Media