Graduating firefighters bolster ranks, former recruits honoured for actions
Published: 6th December 2007
What do an industrial scientist, a mortician, an accountant, a mechanic and a sherriff all have in common?
They're just some of the former occupations in today's graduating class of NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) recruit firefighters have come from.
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins welcomed the 19 new firefighters during a graduation ceremony held at the NSWFB State Training College, Alexandria.
"Today we welcome 19 new firefighters into our ranks. Over the past 16 weeks, these men and women have undergone intensive training and I commend them all on meeting the stringent standards set by the NSWFB," Commissioner Mullins said.
"These firefighters exemplify the skills needed to assist the community in a range of emergency situations, from fighting fires to dealing with hazardous chemical spills, gas leaks and rescuing people from car and industrial accidents.
"They will now be sent to fire stations across Sydney to strengthen fire and emergency protection as well as educating the wider community on fire prevention and community safety messages," he said. "I congratulate all the new recruits on their training achievements and graduation, and wish them well in their challenging careers with the NSWFB."
Also sharing the stage with the new graduates were six NSWFB firefighters and two civilians who received awards for their courageous actions during bushfires in 2006.
"In November 2006, four recruit firefighters who had completed 14 weeks of training, and were under the supervision of their instructors, responded to a bushfire threatening homes in Molong to support the NSWFB and NSW RFS. Along with two civilians, in particular, the group worked tirelessly to protect the lives of residents and their properties. I want to acknowledge their exceptional efforts under difficult circumstances."
The graduating firefighters will take up positions at the following fire stations:
- Paul Air - City of Sydney
- Matthew Knudsen - Blacktown
- Shaun Anderson - Riverwood
- Justin Martin - Crows Nest
- Paula Blanning - Randwick
- Charles McCumstie - Kellyville
- Garth Boyes - Parramatta
- Peregrine Rennex - Marrickville
- Paul Cameron - Bonnyrig Heights
- Adam Sciannimanica - Macquarie Fields
- Benjamin Chan - Arncliffe
- Joel Scrivener - Lane Cove
- John Cook - Willoughby
- Sam Wassell - Ryde
- Mitchell Crump - Pyrmont
- Scott Willding - Newtown
- Cameron Green - Smithfield
- Andrew Jenkins - Smithfield
- James Kachur - Neutral Bay