Two south eastern suburbs men have overcome tough physical and mental challenges to secure jobs in one of the most competitive industries in the state.
Last week Canning Vale resident Thomas Moore and Bedfordale resident Lloyd Osborne started their first shifts at Murdoch and Rockingham fire stations respectively.
They completed a 17-week training course, which included physical and mental challenges to prepare them for firefighting, road crash rescue, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials and community safety.
Mr Moore said after working on Perth’s gas network for several years he developed an interest in firefighting.
“I’ve been on jobs with the fire brigade at times, seen how they operated and thought it was something I wanted to do and thought I’d give it a go,” he said.
“I just wanted a career change, something a bit more rewarding.
“Being part of a respected profession was another motive.”
Mr Moore said he was ‘stoked’ when he was told he was successful after applying only once.
“I wasn’t thinking I’d get in, this is my first time but I ticked all the boxes and got in and it basically went from there,” he said.
“I called the family up straight away and told them.”
Mr Osborne said it took him three years and two attempts to get in and he was ecstatic.
“There are eight or nine stages to the selection process, I definitely feel pretty lucky to have made it to be honest, there were plenty of times where I thought there was no way because of the competitiveness of it,” he said.
The two men joined 22 other successful applicants who were placed in fire stations around the state.
Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Wayne Gregson said it took a dedicated person to serve and protect others.
“Our men and women face challenging situations every day as they turn out to emergencies and need to act quickly under trying circumstances,” he said.
“Firefighting is one of the most respected and honourable jobs in the community and I commend (the) graduates on making it their chosen career.”
Commissioner Gregson said the graduates were trained and ready for the bushfire season and called on the community to prepare too.
“Our firefighters are well prepared and ready to act but everyone has a role to play this bushfire season,” he said.
“I urge everyone to take the time now to prepare for bushfires – don’t wait until the last minute to act as it puts your family and our firefighters at risk.”
For more information about a firefighting career visit dfes.wa.gov.au.
