Two schools of firefighter graduates celebrated their training together last week with 46 men and women from schools 84 and 85 holding combined ceremonies at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday (11 December).
Among the newly graduated personnel were two AFLW players, five volunteer firefighters, a snowboard instructor and former tradies, all of whom were welcomed to their new careers in the presence of Emergency Services Minister, Fran Logan.
Mr Logan welcomed the firefighters from Trainee Firefighter School 84 who were finally able to celebrate with family and friends after COVID-19 restrictions postponed their graduation ceremony in July.
“I would like to congratulate all of the graduates who have dedicated five months to prepare themselves to serve and protect the Western Australian community,” Mr Logan said.
“In my time as Emergency Services Minister, 117 men and women have made it through the highly competitive application process and joined the State’s career firefighting ranks.”
He said the 22 women and men from Trainee Firefighter School 85 were embarking on their new careers just as the weather heats up.
Mr Logan said the trainees had been put to the test with 20 weeks of intense practical and theoretical training, learning valuable firefighting skills including responding to fires, road crash rescues and hazardous material incidents.
“I wish them all the best over the coming months and into the future,” he said.
The Minister said that among the graduates were a former snowboarding coach, electrician, carpenter, as well as Bush Fire Brigade and Volunteer Fire Rescue Service firefighters.
“There are also four female graduates from Trainee Firefighter School 85, including AFLW players West Coast Eagles captain Emma Swanson and Fremantle’s Evangeline Gooch.”
Mr Logan said firefighters from Trainee Firefighter School 85 would begin their careers at fire stations across Perth from next week and congratulated the members of school 84 who missed out on their graduation because of the COVID restrictions but finally got to celebrate it with friends and family last week.
More information about a firefighting career can be accessed from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at this PS News link.
