After enduring “difficult and rigorous” training, a new intake of firefighters recently celebrated their graduation at the fire service passing out parade.
This was according to Heinrich Louw, regional commander of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services.
The graduation ceremony was hosted at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Stellenbosch on 8 September.
The passing out parade, which celebrated the graduation of the new firefighters from the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire and Rescue Training Academy took place on 8 September. The graduates completed a five month programme, which included three certificates, said Heinrich Louw, regional commander of the CWDM Fire Services. VIDEO: Jodi-Mari Adams
Inherent requirements
The CWDM Fire and Rescue Training Academy has an intake of approximately 1 500 students per year and the course takes five months to complete, according to Louw.
The internationally recognised courses being offered by the CWDM fire services can only be certified if you have a matric, according to Wayne Josias, chief fire officer of the CWDM Fire Services.
Prospective firefighters from across the province, and even the country are trained at the CWDM Fire and Rescue Training Academy, according to Jo-Anne Otto, head of communications for the CWDM.
Fitness is an inherent requirement of a firefighter, stated Josias. “Our work is not behind a desk. Our work is practical,” he said.
All prospective firefighters’ fitness levels are evaluated upon application, said Josias.
Additionally, trainees are tested for phobias, such as fear of heights and fear of closed compartments as well, said Josias.
World-class training
“Our discipline is very high,” said Louw. “I’ve had meetings with the South African army and the South African navy, and they have requested that we train their new members because of our standard and discipline.”
Some of the physical training tests firefighters are required to complete include sit-ups, pull-ups, and completing a 2.4km run in 12 minutes, said Wayne Josias, chief fire officer for the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services at the passing out parade on 8 September. The parade celebrated the graduation of the firefighters who completed their training at the CWDM Fire and Rescue Training Academy. AUDIO: Jodi-Mari Adams
Life after graduation
Following the completion of the programme, graduates are employed in various parts of the country, according to Otto.
“I was appointed in the CWDM, so I am looking forward to all the new opportunities that it has to offer,” said Adrienne Ferrier, a graduate in attendance.
“[I want] to be a positive influence in the community,” stated Ferrier.
The ringing of the bell is a 200-year-old tradition which took place during the firefighter graduation ceremony on 8 September. This was according to Wayne Josias, chief fire officer for the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services. “[The ringing of the bell] symbolises the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty,” said Josias. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams