Eighteen new firefighters joined ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) today after 21 weeks of intensive training.

The recruits are now ready to respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, flood rescues, and environmental and hazardous material emergencies.

The graduates are part of the 99 additional firefighters being recruited by the end of 2024 to ensure the ACT’s frontline emergency services are well resourced to keep Canberrans safe.

Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said the recruits were “ready, willing, and able” to join an elite service of more than 370 firefighters.

“These recruits are joining ACT Fire & Rescue during a period of new training and development programs and a big focus on health and wellbeing initiatives,” Mr Gentleman said.

The latest college cohort, College 45, trained on real-life scenarios: structure fires, search and rescue, motor vehicle incidents, and vertical rescue.

“The community should feel confident in knowing that these recruits are well equipped to respond to high-pressure emergencies,” Mr Gentleman said.

ACTF&R Chief Officer Matthew Mavity congratulated the recruits, and welcomed them to a successful and rewarding career.

“I would like to thank these remarkable individuals for choosing to dedicate their time to developing specialised skills that service our community,” he said.

“I am continually impressed with the calibre of recruitment we see in each college cohort and the knowledge they provide to our service.

“The 18 new firefighters are from diverse backgrounds, but they share one common goal – to protect the community.

“I know College 45 will uphold the high standards of integrity, commitment, and professionalism expected of an ACTF&R firefighter.”

College 45 will join their platoons over the coming days.

For more information on how to become a firefighter with ACTF&R, visit esa.act.gov.au/join-us/careers/fire-rescue-recruitment.