THE Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) will benefit from a diverse range of skills and knowledge that 25 new full-time firefighters will bring to their roles, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services Bill Tilley said today.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan at the CFA graduation ceremony at Fiskville Training College, Mr Tilley congratulated the new firefighters for their commitment and hard work while undertaking the demanding 16-week CFA training course.
Mr Tilley said the professionalism of the recruits was evident in their dedication to their studies, their high level of proficiency and overall performance during recruit training, which would serve them well as CFA firefighters.
"Today's graduates have come from a range of professions, including trades, sales, building, IT, mechanical and emergency services," Mr Tilley said.
"This diversity is not only important for the CFA as an organisation, but it is also a valuable attribute for firefighters who serve as trusted figures within their local community."
Deputy Premier Mr Ryan said today's new firefighters would take up postings at 12 locations across Victoria at Craigieburn, Hoppers Crossing, Mornington, Springvale, Cranbourne, Warrnambool, Morwell, Caroline Springs, Belmont, Greenvale, Shepparton and Wodonga.
"Many people often don't realise that a large part of outer metropolitan Melbourne, including large regional centres such as Geelong and Ballarat, as well as rural communities come under the protective umbrella of the CFA," Mr Ryan said.
"More than 59,000 volunteers and 1,550 career personnel support the CFA in its role as an emergency management organisation.
"The Victorian CFA serves a population of approximately 3.3 million people and protects more than one million dwellings," Mr Ryan said.
