CITY OF TSHWANE EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HOLDS A PASSING OUT PARADE FOR SUCCESSFUL FIREFIGHTERS
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department held a firefighters’ passing out parade at Lucas van den Berg Sport Field in Pretoria West on Thursday, 23 January 2025, from 10:00 to 14:00.
The department welcomed its third group of successful candidates who had undergone one of the most challenging basic firefighter training programmes from the beginning of January 2024 to the end of December 2024.
The year-long training was aimed at capacitating the personnel of the former Emergency Medical Operations Division, which is now defunct.
The personnel in question have endured strenuous training that tested their physical strength and mental resilience.
They have acquired a variety of technical skills in firefighting and other rescue operations, including the ability to treat and take care of patients in emergency situations, working as a team and remaining calm under pressure.
Furthermore, they are now proud firefighters who can also rescue victims during various other emergencies, such as vehicle fires, structural fires and other severe or life-threatening situations.
This was the third group of cadets to graduate since the cessation of the erstwhile Emergency Medical Operations Division.
The training has seen 98 proud members now being able to join the Fire and Rescue Operations Division in the Emergency Services Department.
The first group consisted of 38 firefighters who successfully trained and completed their training and graduated on 5 September 2022 in a similar passing out parade, while the second group of 76 firefighters graduated on the morning of 23 September 2024.
The Training Academy conducted the year-long rigorous firefighter training that included courses such as Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Awareness Level, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations Level and other courses, which will empower them to perform their duties as firefighters in the field of emergency services.
These courses focused both on the theory and the practical applications of different skills and methods of rescue, firefighting and the handling of different emergency or humanitarian scenarios.
Some of these personnel were trained only as emergency care practitioners and did not have any basic firefighter training at all before their journey to the academy, while some were previously trained in firefighting but needed to undergo refresher training.
They now all meet the Emergency Services Department’s expectations, such as discipline and a positive and professional attitude towards one’s work in the emergency services, including a good approach to interacting with colleagues and the public.
They also meet high performance standards and job performance requirements as they are equipped with the most current trends in the fire and rescue operations sphere.
During the parade, the firefighters showed joy in having attained their qualifications. Everyone present, from dignitaries to guests and the family members who came to support the event, was generally in good spirits as they witnessed the graduates receiving their certificates from the Executive Mayor, Cllr Nasiphi Moya, the City Manager, Mr Johann Mettler, the MMC for Community Safety, Ald Hannes Coetzee, the Chairperson of the Section 79 Oversight Committee for Community Safety, Cllr Neo Mocumi, and the Chief of Emergency Services, Mr Moshema P Mosia.
In her address, the Executive Mayor congratulated and applauded the firefighters for their remarkable achievement and said, “This is not just a graduation ceremony, but a testament to the resilience, dedication and courage that each of you embodies.
It is also a day of accomplishment and honour for the young individuals who have overcome the odds and are now ready to showcase their skills.” She continued and said, “Similarly, firefighting is not a profession but a calling. Firefighters play a critical role in our society, although many people may not fully understand the breadth of your responsibilities.
As firefighters, you are often the first line of defence in times of crisis. Your role extends far beyond extinguishing fires. You are called upon to save lives during floods, respond to hazardous material spills, assist in road accidents and even play a critical role in public health emergencies.”
The Executive Mayor added that “in every corner of Tshwane, from bustling urban centres to quiet townships, your presence brings comfort and reassurance to our residents.” In her concluding remarks she said, “You are not just firefighters; you are ambassadors of hope.
Every call you respond to, every life you save and every challenge you overcome will be a testament to your commitment to this city and its people. As you embark on this noble journey, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a team, a department, and a city that stands behind you. Your work will inspire trust, rebuild communities and create a safer Tshwane for generations to come.” She thanked the Chief of Emergency Services and all the training officers and staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare the graduating firefighters.
The Emergency Services Department will continue to conduct the training and development of these personnel until they are all equipped with the necessary skills to empower them to render an excellent service to the community.
To report any fire or rescue incident, please call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require doing so.