The Tshwane metro recently welcomed 76 newly trained firefighters into the ranks of the Emergency Services Department (ESD).
The metro held a passing-out parade at the Lucas van den Berg Sports Field in Pretoria West.
The ceremony also served to recognise eight retired ESD personnel members who have made valuable contributions to the city for up to 42 years.
“The 76 new recruits underwent training, which included both theory and physical training. The recruits are former emergency medical care practitioners, who are now absorbed into the Fire and Rescue Operations Division following the cessation of the city’s ambulance services,” said Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink.
“Back in May 2022, the Gauteng government took over the emergency medical and ambulance service function, meaning that these services are no longer provided by the city,” said Brink.
Brink said the 76 new firefighters would strengthen the metro’s response to fire and rescue efforts in communities that need assistance. He also congratulated the eight firefighters who were honoured for their decades of service to the metro.
Watch here:
– https://x.com/i/status/1834618405690708433
– https://x.com/i/status/1834590652123779430
“We depend on emergency services to assist, to save lives, to help resettle, to calm communities and it’s that uniform that requires such dedication, discipline and training that restores faith in times of disorder. Each of us, whether those who are retiring, those who are starting out or those who are continuing, each of us has a contribution to make in building a capital city, that works for all of its people,” Brink said.
The parade was well attended by the MMC for Community Safety Grandi Theunissen, the City Manager Johann Mettler, Emergency Services Chief Moshema Mosia, as well as representatives of local, provincial and national government departments and other stakeholders.
“Our administration recognises and appreciates the critical role that the men and women in uniform from various disciplines play in keeping our communities safe, be it through crime-fighting, responding to emergencies, assisting the ill or putting out fires,” Brink.
Watch here:
– https://fb.watch/uF0W2nZBGK/
– https://fb.watch/uF0X5tvlI8/
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