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.
LEARN MORE
- VFRS webpage
- City of Vaughan website
- 2018 Citizen Satisfaction Survey highlights
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