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4. Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib welcomes more than 160 new firefighters at Fire and Rescue NSW graduation -

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib welcomes more than 160 new firefighters at Fire and Rescue NSW graduation -

Published: 04 Apr 2025 03:53pm

The NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, today welcomed 169 new firefighters to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) ranks at a graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills in Sydney’s west.

There were also 24 FRNSW personnel who graduated as Station Officers, stepping into a vital leadership role for their crews.

The new group of first responders hail from diverse backgrounds, such as teaching, carpentry, electrical, fitness, architecture and Defence personnel.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“Today is a proud day for Fire and Rescue and the community of NSW, but even more so for these graduates.

“It takes a special kind of person to prioritise the safety of others ahead of their own and I have no doubt our newest recruits will create positive impacts in their communities for many years to come.

“I congratulate the state’s newest firefighters and welcome them into the emergency services family.”

Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:

“Our newest recruits will join metropolitan and regional fire crews across the state, putting their intensive training into action.  

“While today’s graduates come from diverse backgrounds, they have one thing in common – a drive to protect the irreplaceable.

“From today, you are part of an organisation where the safety and community trust is at the heart of everything we do.

“I wish you the very best as you embark upon your firefighting careers, serving the people of NSW with respect, courage and integrity. Congratulations.”   FIREFIGHTER PROFILES       Firefighter Gabrielle Grieves   Former professional beach lifeguard and Personal Trainer, Gabrielle Grieves, has always been passionate about helping people and serving her community.

“When I saw the opportunity to join FRNSW, I knew it was the right path for me,” Firefighter Grieves said.

“The teamwork, the physical challenge, and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives – it all just felt like the perfect fit.

“Growing up surrounded by people dedicated to helping others as a volunteer surf lifesaver and a professional beach lifeguard, I’ve developed a strong sense of duty to support others during emergencies or in times of need.

Firefighter Grieves will be stationed at City of Sydney from tomorrow, after completing the training course at the Emergency Services Academy.

“The training pushes you to your limits both mentally and physically. What really helped me get through it was the incredible support from my fellow recruits and instructors. It builds resilience and confidence.  

“I’m excited by the fact that no day will ever be the same, offering continuous opportunities to grow, learn and make a meaningful impact, all while working alongside people that have a similar passion and mindset.”

Firefighter Percy Damian Lopez

On-Call Firefighter Percy Damian Lopez, from Dungog, juggles his new role alongside a career as an architect.

Having grown up in Mexico, Percy first visited the small town of Dungog as part of a research project while studying at the University of Newcastle.

“My project brought me to Dungog while researching the James theatre, Australia’s longest-running cinema. I found the place very peaceful and the community very welcoming.

“I've always had a helping attitude, so I wanted to join FRNSW to extend that to my community,” Firefighter Lopez said.

“I tried to join FRNSW in 2023 but at that time I was only able to commit to weekends. Last year, I took a leap of faith and sought support from my primary workplace to give firefighting a proper go – thankfully they were supportive.

When it comes to bringing his skills as an architect to firefighting, Percy suggests the benefit is the other way around, “I had a good notion of fire requirements when it came to building design. I always made sure I allowed adequate space for booster pumps, hydrants and the trucks turning circle, but since joining FRNSW, all of a sudden, those things became more real.”

“My skills in and knowledge of construction are helpful when it comes to firefighting, but I think that firefighting has actually added another dimension to my work as an architect.”

Additional information:

Media note - FRNSW footage of the graduation: https://vimeo.com/1072410583/9bf19c1d36?share=copy [external link]

Grabs from Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell: https://vimeo.com/1072398786/1206c1f2f1?share=copy [external link]

Updated: 04 Apr 2025 02:58pm

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