Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes excellence in Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service

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Recruit graduates and recent promotions celebrated at ceremony

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s (VFRS) tradition of pride and honour was passed on to the newest generation of firefighters at a ceremony on Jan. 25, 2019. Twenty-three recruits were welcomed as they solidified their commitment to protect the city of Vaughan. Six recently promoted firefighters were also recognized for their dedication to service excellence and teamwork.
 
The recruits recently completed a rigorous 17-week program, which includes fire prevention and public education training and hands-on experience to learn the skills they will need to perform their duties quickly and efficiently. Every year, hundreds of men and women apply to VFRS’s recruit program in hopes of joining the elite fire service. After a careful selection process, only the most qualified and physically fit individuals are hired. 
 
During the ceremony, the graduates were given their completion certificates and the newly promoted officers were presented with their designated helmets. Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi and Mary Reali, Deputy City Manager, Community Services Portfolio, representing Interim City Manager Tim Simmonds and the Corporate Management Team, expressed their gratitude to the firefighters for the hard work they do every day to keep Vaughan and its citizens, businesses and visitors safe.
 
For more information about VFRS, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
 
QUOTE
 
“On behalf of the over 335,000 citizens who call Vaughan home, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the new recruits of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the firefighters who are continuing to excel on their professional journey. The men and women of VFRS are special individuals who have answered the call of public service. They have dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety and protection of our families, neighbours and the public spaces we use every day. Above and beyond responding to emergencies in a timely and professional matter, members of the VFRS are always present in our communities - volunteering their time and talent to educate on fire safety and contribute to the overall well-being of our city. I was proud to first announce that Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has earned an unprecedented 100 per cent satisfaction rating from the people of Vaughan. This is a testament to the important work Chief Rizzi, and all our brave firefighters, undertake to safeguard the health and well-being of people, businesses and neighbourhoods throughout Vaughan.”
-     Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • VFRS has more than 350 fire service personnel, including 313 firefighters.
  • There are nine fire stations serving Vaughan. A 10th station is currently under construction; it is in Kleinburg.
  • The recruitment process can take more than six months due to the various steps and stiff competition.
  • VFRS received a 100 per cent satisfaction rating in the City of Vaughan’s 2018 Citizen Satisfaction Survey.
 
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