Yesterday, I joined the acting MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Rina Marx, and the acting Chief of Emergency Services, Mr Moshema Mosia, to welcome 38 new firefighters. Part of the ceremony was to bid farewell to 13 Emergency Services Department retirees who have served the City well over many years.
The 38 new recruits underwent training, which included both theory and physical training. The group enrolled for Firefighter I and II courses. The recruits are former emergency medical care practitioners and following the successful completion of the firefighter training, they will now join the Fire and Rescue Operations Division.
Back in May 2022, the Gauteng Provincial Government took over the emergency medical and ambulance service function, meaning that these services would no longer be provided by the City. Some of the emergency medical staff were then retrained to boost our Fire and Rescue Operations Division, especially with the upcoming operationalisation of Mamelodi Fire Station.
On the very same day, just as we were hosting the passing out parade for the 38 new firefighters, a fire broke out in the Pretoria CBD at the Legal Practice Council offices. Our team of firefighters were immediately dispatched and managed to speedily put out the fire, showcasing their skill and commitment. All building occupants were safely evacuated.
Our multiparty coalition government recognises and appreciates the critical role that the men and women in uniform from various disciplines play in keeping our communities safe, be it through crime fighting, responding to emergencies, assisting the ill or putting out fires.
Interested of being a fire fighter and have most Qualification