Five CFA recruits are being put through their paces at Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook fire stations.
The recruits are part of the latest class to graduate from the CFA’s training centre in Craigieburn after 19 weeks learning the ropes.
Former plumber Tim Abraham, Whittlesea CFA volunteer Michael Rudd and graphic designer Cooba Dylewski have joined the firefighters at Point Cook CFA, while Andrew Connelly and David Stewart have been posted to Hoppers Crossing.
Mr Connelly decided to swap cabinet- making for firefighting after volunteering with the Patterson River brigade.
“Being a firefighter, you do something different every day,” he said.
“There are some challenges, but the idea of getting out there and helping people at their most vulnerable appeals to me.”
Mr Stewart switched from a career in electronics and telecommunications after volunteering with Kilmore CFA for five years. He said his time as a volunteer gave him an insight into and appreciation for the work done by career firefighters.
Mr Stewart described the 19-week training course as intense, adding that it taught him the basic skills he would need to adapt to station life.
Over the next three years, the new recruits will follow a set training package in order to become fully qualified.
While at their new stations, they will be trained to use specialist equipment and gas detection gear, and be tested on operating the pumpers and tankers.
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson says the new recruits are starting on an adventure. “They have made a serious commitment to the protection of lives and property in our communities.”
