Answering the call of public service
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Mayor Bevilacqua celebrates
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service recruits, recent promotions and new members
Pride. Honour.
Protect. These are the core values that guide Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS).
Tonight, the newest generation of firefighters were officially welcomed into
the Service at a graduation ceremony held at Vaughan City Hall.
In
total, 21 recruits solidified their commitment to protect the city, five recently
promoted firefighters were applauded for their dedication to teamwork and six
new employees who embody the City’s commitment to Service Excellence were
recognized.
During the ceremony, graduates were awarded with
completion certificates and the newly promoted VFRS officers were presented
with designated helmets. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Interim City Manager Tim
Simmonds, Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi and Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Browne expressed
their gratitude to the firefighters for the hard work they do every day to keep
Vaughan and its citizens, businesses and visitors safe.
The
recruits recently completed a rigorous 15-week program, which included fire
prevention and public education training and hands-on fire suppression experience
to learn and perform skills quickly and efficiently. Every year, hundreds
of men and women apply to VFRS’s recruit program. After a careful selection
process, only the most qualified and physically fit individuals are called to
join the team.
VFRS continues to be recognized in Ontario as a leader
in emergency service delivery. The Service also received a 100 per cent
satisfaction rating in the City’s latest Citizen
Satisfaction Survey.
For more
information about VFRS, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
QUOTE
“On
behalf of the City and the nearly 335,000 citizens who call Vaughan home, I
extend congratulations to the new Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service recruits, as
well as the firefighters who continue to excel in their professional journey in
public service. Emergency services are vital to communities. In Vaughan, we are
proud of the men and women of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service who are committed
to ensuring the safety and protection of our families, neighbours and the
public spaces we use every day. The Service was awarded with a 100 per cent
satisfaction rating from residents – this is a testament to the important work
Chief Deryn Rizzi, and all our brave firefighters undertake to safeguard our health
and well-being. Today, I am honoured to officially welcome the new graduates
and applaud their vow to protect the city of Vaughan with pride and honour.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- VFRS has 360 fire service personnel, including 315 firefighters.
- The City of Vaughan has nine fire stations that provide full service emergency response within city borders; help to neighbouring municipalities is also provided, when necessary.
- A 10th station is currently under construction – Fire Station 7-4 in Kleinburg. The project is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2019 with active service starting soon after.
- The firefighter recruitment process can take more than six months due to the various steps and tough competition.
LEARN MORE
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