Two new firefighters will start their first day on the job at Arncliffe Fire Station this week.
Rick Lindsley and Steven Powell were two of 24 recruits who were welcomed into the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW during a ceremony at the State Training College at Alexandria today.
Mr Lindsley completed 13 weeks of intense training before his first day on Tuesday.
‘’I was pretty nervous jumping on the back of the truck for the first few times but the crew have made me feel really welcome,’’ he said.
The 28-year-old has always known he wanted to give back and was selected to join the service on his second attempt.
‘’My dad was in the police force so I always knew I wanted to join one of the services,’’ he said.
‘’I was so stoked when I got in.’’
It’s a world away from his previous job working at Jamberoo Action Park.
He is among 144 men and women who will become firefighters this year.
The latest graduates have had interesting and varied careers before becoming firefighters, including defence personnel, police officers and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the firefighters would soon join crews around Sydney, including at Arncliffe.
“I wish the graduating class well in what is an important, but sometimes dangerous, career and I thank them for choosing a profession dedicated to protecting the community, property and the environment of NSW,” he said.
