High-tech K9 pods and a detection puppy are joining the firefighting frontline to help investigate the origin and cause of fires, alongside 133 new firefighters graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW academy today.
Today, 62 permanent firefighters and 71 paid on-call firefighters join the emergency services family. Importantly, 73 per cent of the new permanent firefighters have previously served as on-call firefighters, bringing more than 383 years of combined experience and service into full-time roles.
The graduating firefighters hail from diverse backgrounds including teaching, surfboard manufacturing, disability support, plumbing, electrical trades, surf lifesaving, media, other emergency services and Defence.
Also joining the firefighting frontline is Garvey, a five-month-old brown and white Springer Spaniel puppy, training to join FRNSW's world-leading Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine (ILDC) program.
To support Garvey and his canine colleagues, the Minns Labor Government has invested $320,000 in two new custom-built FRNSW K9 pod vehicles, strengthening the ILDC program that has been the benchmark in Australasia for three decades.
Designed in collaboration with the FRNSW canine team, the pod-style vehicles feature advanced communications and comfort systems for both handlers and dogs, including:
- A purpose-built kennel with air-conditioning and remote temperature monitoring via mobile app
- Multi-compartment design to carry one or two dogs safely and comfortably
- Access ramps to reduce manual handling and avoid stress injuries to dogs
- Full washout capability for hygiene and ease of maintenance
- Modern cab features to improve safety and comfort for handlers
The vehicles also include a powerful dual battery to support operational communications and vehicle safety systems, enhanced stowage space, and technology connected via mobile and satellite networks.
Paired with dedicated handlers, the dogs can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids at fire scenes and are an essential tool in determining the cause of fires and assisting criminal investigations.
Garvey's training is focused on getting him used to real-life fire scenes, helping him become comfortable with debris, smells, and textures that are part of his future work. With his acute sense of smell and energetic demeanour, Garvey is expected to join the frontline within 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
"We know how much courage and discipline firefighting requires - it takes a special person to step into that uniform. The firefighters graduating today embody those qualities, and they should be proud of the positive impact they have made and will continue to make in their communities for many years to come.
"I'd encourage people to become on-call firefighters, it's a great pathway to joining the ranks full-time. As today's graduating class shows our strategy for recruiting more firefighters, as part of our plan to rebuild emergency services, is working.
"The addition of these new canine vehicles gives handlers the very best tools to do their job safely and effectively, while also ensuring our detection dogs are well cared for."
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:
"Our newest recruits will now join metropolitan and regional crews across the state, putting their intensive training into action.
"From today, they are part of an organisation where community trust and safety are at the heart of everything we do. I congratulate them as they embark on their firefighting careers."
"We're also proud to welcome Garvey, who represents the next generation of this unique and highly valued program.
"Our Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine team play a vital role in determining the cause of suspicious fires and supporting police investigations."
