Winnipeg, MB – At a graduation ceremony this afternoon, Mayor Bowman was joined by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) Chief John Lane to formally present badges to the City's 15 new firefighters.
“Congratulations to all graduates of the WFPS Recruit Class #1802,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “It takes a special kind of person to dedicate themselves to a career like this, and we are very grateful for the commitment each of you have made to serving and protecting the residents of Winnipeg.”
The 15 graduates completed a 10-week orientation and training period which was held at the WFPS Training Academy. The orientation and training period provided recruits with a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training specific to WFPS fire operations. Subject areas covered over the 10 weeks included breathing apparatus use, forcible entry, search and rescue techniques, and safe use of firefighting equipment such as ladders and pumps. Additional instruction included orientation to the WFPS organizational and rank structure, and history of firefighting in Winnipeg.
“I am pleased to welcome these 15 new firefighters and firefighter-paramedics into the operations of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” said Chief Lane. “They are joining our team of highly skilled frontline staff providing round-the-clock emergency services to Winnipeg’s residents, visitors, and businesses.”
Incoming firefighting recruits are accepted to the 10-week orientation and training period as part of a competitive hiring process. Applicants must have already completed their Level 2 Firefighting Certificate at a recognized firefighting college. Recruits are also required to have Primary Care Paramedic or Emergency Medical Responder certification prior to applying to join the WFPS. For more information on careers with the WFPS, please visit Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service - Careers.