New firefighters ready for the challenges ahead

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said it takes a dedicated person to serve and protect others.

“Our men and women face challenging situations every day as they turn out to emergencies and need to act quickly under trying circumstances,” Commissioner Gregson said.

“Firefighting is one of the most respected and honourable jobs in the community and I commend today’s graduates on making it their chosen career.”

Commissioner Gregson said the graduates were trained and ready for the bushfire season and called on the community to prepare too.

“Our firefighters are well prepared and ready to act but everyone has a role to play this bushfire season,” Commissioner Gregson said.

“I urge everyone to take the time now to prepare for bushfires - don’t wait until the last minute to act as it puts your family and our firefighters at risk.”

Academy graduate Martin Kitson, who was previously a firefighter with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue in the UK for 11 years, said he is looking forward to a career as a firefighter in Western Australia.

“Firefighting is the best job in the world, and I love that you get to help people in the community and never know what a day will hold,” Firefighter Kitson said.

“Working in Western Australia’s extreme bushfire conditions will be a challenging new experience for me, but one I am now trained and ready for.”

The graduates completed a 17-week training course to develop skills in firefighting, road crash rescue, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials and community safety.

For more information about a firefighting career visit dfes.wa.gov.au

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Note to editor: Photos available on request.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9225 5955