A record 92 future firefighters have marched in the largest recruit parade in Queensland’s Fire and Rescue Service history.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the parade, held at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, was a brilliant show of the professionalism and unity required to keep our communities safe.
“Once their training is complete, these future firefighters will become part of Queensland’s frontline, ready to answer the call for help when our State needs them most,” Minister Ryan said.
“They will all be tested against the high standards QFES expects of its firefighters to ensure they’re ready to respond to the vast range of emergencies or disasters they could be called to.”
Minister Ryan said the record number of simultaneous recruits in training highlighted the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to good jobs, and is only possible because of the government’s commitment to the historic boost of an additional 357 paid firefighter positions over five years.
“As of June 30, 145 firefighters had been recruited under this commitment, ensuring the Fire and Rescue Service has the resources it needs to serve and protect communities across our great state,” Minister Ryan said.
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said the morning was an opportunity to celebrate the recruits as they prepare to embark on their careers as firefighters.
“It was great to see so many recruits come together in such a professional display of the mateship and teamwork required to become a firefighter,” Commissioner Leach said.
“These men and women spend 16 weeks together mastering the basic skills required to become firefighters. They will rely on each other in dangerous scenarios to look out for one another and keep their crew safe.
“Each recruit is put through intensive training covering a breadth of skills including live fire behaviour, fire suppression techniques, bushfire, road crash rescue, technical rescue, and hazardous materials management.”
United Firefighters Union Queensland Secretary John Oliver acknowledged those choosing to serve Queensland.
“We welcome the 92 professional firefighter recruits and are grateful for their commitment to protect our great state,” Mr Oliver said.
“These new recruits make up just some of the 357 additional firefighters being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government. At the last election, I called for this commitment of additional firefighters, and it’s pleasing to see the Government delivering on its commitment.
“I wish all recruits well with their training and rewarding careers ahead.”
Recruitment has commenced for this financial year to continue boosting Queensland’s firefighting ranks in line with identified priorities, a growing need for specialist capabilities and roles, and increasing demands.
