18 New Firefighters Graduate to Join ACT Fire & Rescue

Canberra, ACT – Eighteen new firefighters have graduated from ACT Fire & Rescue’s Recruit College 53, completing a 22-week training program before beginning frontline duties with the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

This year’s graduation also marked the 50th anniversary of the first ACT Fire Brigade Training College, whose inaugural recruits entered service in 1976. The milestone highlights five decades of changes in firefighting, including advances in training, equipment, technology and protective clothing.

During the intensive training program, the recruits developed skills in structural firefighting, rescue operations, hazardous materials response and emergency incident management to prepare them for a wide range of emergencies.

While firefighting techniques and equipment have evolved over the past 50 years, ACT Fire & Rescue says its core mission of protecting the Canberra community remains unchanged as the newest firefighters begin their careers.

Source: ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) / ACT Government