7/7/2013 4:07:22 PM

July 5, 2013
Thirty-nine of the City of Toronto’s newest firefighters, as well as 20 new fire prevention officers and seven dispatchers, graduated from the Toronto Fire Services recruit training program this afternoon.

Councillor Peter Milczyn (Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore) representing City Council and Fire Chief Jim Sales congratulated each new Fire Services member as they received their hat badges and certificates.

"I am so proud of our latest class of firefighters," said Councillor Milczyn. "They have all worked hard and have displayed their commitment to serve the people of Toronto in one of the most dangerous roles we ask anyone to do."

“This is indeed a proud moment for the new members of our team and their families,” said Chief Sales. “They have come a long way in their training and will proudly serve the residents of Toronto.”

The training that the new firefighters received will enable them to perform fire ground and rescue operations. Those operations include hazardous materials calls, response to medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents, performance of emergency patient care, education of the public about fire prevention and fire safety practices, inspections and, while in station, maintenance of firefighting apparatus.

The training of the fire prevention officers ensures their understanding of the Ontario Fire Code as it applies to the various structures, industrial sites and human occupancies in Toronto. The officers will also represent Toronto Fire Services in court when charges have been laid for contravention of the code.

The call taker/dispatcher training prepares those staff to operate console equipment, including dispatch systems and to analyze emergency calls while following established procedures to dispatch emergency vehicles.