New firefighter graduates set to join Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah stations

Two firefighting graduates are set to join stations in the Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah regions.

Ashlee Panting, 32, and Dylan de Hass, 29 completed 21 weeks of intense practical and theoretical training alongside 21 other graduates at Trainee Firefighter School 87 and were welcomed into the WA career Fire and Rescue Service at a ceremony on December 17.

Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby congratulated the latest graduates and honoured six retiring firefighters.

“I congratulate the graduates of Trainee Firefighter School 87 for their commitment and resilience over the past five months,” Mr Whitby said.

“More than 1000 applications were received for these highly competitive placements, highlighting the calibre of firefighters joining our ranks ahead of bushfire season.”

The course included specialised training in marine and aviation fire response, HAZMAT, road crash rescue and structural firefighting.

“The new recruits will be deployed across both metropolitan and regional stations, ready to protect the community as we enter our busiest period over summer,” Mr Whitby said.

“On behalf of all Western Australians, I also deeply thank our retiring firefighters who represent more than 180 years of exemplary service.”

Mr Panting will complete his first posting at the Hope Valley and Mandurah fire stations, while Mr de Hass will complete his at Hope Valley and Rockingham stations.