EIGHT Patterson River Fire Station recruits are among 30 graduates to become career firefighters with the Country Fire Authority.
They started at the station in December and took part this month in a training program at the CFA’s Bangholme depot.
Two of the recruits are Adam Lutz, 40, of Keysborough, and Samantha Grant, 46, of Langwarrin.
Mr Lutz was a sheet metal worker and foreman before joining the CFA. He is a keen surfer, and loves bike riding, restoring cars and spending time with his family.
“I’m looking forward to change, challenge and playing a strong role in the community,” he said.
Ms Grant was formerly a secondary school teacher. She’s learning to surf, and keen to get back to being a Guide Dog puppy raiser.
“I want to give back to the community in a different way to spread my wings and challenge myself with a change of career,” she said.
The recruits – including a record 10 women – graduated in front of family and friends at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre, Craigieburn.
With eight women graduating from a course on 30 November, the CFA has taken on 18 women in the past two courses – the most to graduate as CFA firefighters in the one year.
They will each take up placements at one of 19 fire stations around the state, working side by side with volunteers at some of CFA’s 35 integrated brigades in outer Melbourne and regional centres.
CFA recruit course coordinator Christian Thorley said the celebration “marked the end of a lot of hard work and the beginning of a challenging and diverse career for these new firefighters”.
“These recruits have demonstrated impeccable diligence and commitment to becoming firefighters throughout their training, and it was wonderful to celebrate this special day with them all,” Mr Thorley said.
“The atmosphere was electric – it shows what a great group of people these new firefighters are and signals the wonderful contributions they will make in their new communities.”
The recruits will contribute towards the state government’s commitment to add 350 new firefighters to the CFA’s ranks.
The recruits come from a range of backgrounds including defence, trades, technicians, health, emergency services, education and management.