NSW has today welcomed 264 new firefighters across the state with the latest recruits graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter welcomed the new recruits, who include a former professional rally car co-driver, a martial arts instructor, a former dairy farm manager, youth worker and a number of teachers.
Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.
“The men and women who graduate as part of this class have already shown that they have what it takes to protect the irreplaceable,” Mr Elliott said.
“These Fire and Rescue personnel begin their careers at a time when our frontline workers have never been more necessary, and they know they will have the full support of the NSW Government throughout their new careers.”
This month, the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $36 million for a new first responder mental health programs that will support all emergency services, as well as new FRNSW tankers and personal protective clothing.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduates have trained with passion and dedication to become part of the FRNSW family.
“These recruits have shown they have the diverse skills, capabilities and talents required to undertake the varied work that our firefighters do – from educating the community about fire safety and providing emergency medical care to responding to fires, natural disasters and hazmat incident,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“They’ve been trained to be prepared for anything and I know they will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter.”
You can find a full list of graduates here.