A total of 46 new volunteers for the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) have completed their initial training and were passed out at a ceremony held at The Deck, Regatta Point on Monday.
The recruits had completed their Certification in Bushfire Operations and brought the total strength of ACTRFS volunteer members to 448.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the volunteers were now ready to attend incidents such as the recent Pierces Creek bushfire.
“Firefighting operations to extinguish the Pierces Creek bushfire ran over many business days, and involved more than 100 firefighters,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Releasing employees during work hours to respond to emergencies is a truly selfless contribution worthy of recognition.
“Volunteers who are self-employed also bear the costs of being unable to work when attending an emergency and this has a direct impact on their business.”
He said it was the generosity and understanding of employers and the self-employed that allowed volunteer members to care and protect the community in times of need.
“Bolstering our volunteer numbers and enhancing our relationship with employers is more important than ever as we head into what has been predicted as a hazardous bushfire season,” Mr Gentleman said.
