- Total of 48 Career Fire and Rescue Service trainee firefighters graduate
- Nine recruits to start career at fire stations in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and Albany
- Part of Cook Government's $23 million commitment to boost firefighter numbers
The biggest school of trainee firefighter recruits in more than half a century graduated from the WA Fire and Emergency Services Academy last night, bolstering the State's frontline capability this summer.
A total of 48 recruits were in Trainee Firefighter School 94, the largest since 1970, when 90 recruits from one school became firefighters. It brings the number of graduates this year to 84.
The trainees successfully completed an intense 15-week course. Nine recruits from the school will begin their career at regional fire stations in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and Albany, strengthening regional capability and ensuring local communities have the support they need.
The school comprised 43 men and five women from diverse backgrounds including the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army Reserves, gymnastics, paramedicine, nursing, and health and fitness.
The graduation supports the Cook Government's $23 million commitment to provide an extra 60 firefighters to protect WA communities.
Twenty graduates came from two schools last financial year, with an additional 20 planned for this financial year and 20 more next financial year.
For more information on careers in fire and emergency services, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/careers
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Congratulations to the 48 graduates of Trainee Firefighter School 94. By successfully completing the demanding 15-week program, graduates have shown they have the courage and skills to take up frontline roles at fire stations around the State.
"The Cook Government's investment of $23 million for an extra 60 career firefighters is a major boost for the emergency services frontline to keep WA communities safe from not only bushfires, but incidents including structure fires, dealing with hazardous materials and performing complex rescues and road crash extractions."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Our latest graduates join a service built on trust, respect and a strong commitment to community.
"They come from a variety of backgrounds, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services will benefit enormously from the different skillsets they bring.
"A career as a firefighter is extremely challenging but is also incredibly rewarding, standing by communities and protecting them during their most challenging times."
