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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 25, 2009 · 12 Graduating firefighting recruits will be tested early and often Continued from page 9 Department has hired 35 additional firefighters. He said a new heavy rescue truck will be put into service early next year. Boyes noted firefighters from the 2009 graduating class will be used to staff that truck, while other members of the class will replace retiring firefighters. The increase also satisfies staffing guidelines recommended by the Ontario Fire Marshal to enable fire departments to respond as quickly as possible to fires. During the presentation, Boyes referred to the graduating class as the `best of the best.' "You will find firefighting to be a very fulfilling and demanding career. You will laugh, you will cry, you will help people and you will be helped by your fellow firefighters," said Boyes. "Most of all, you will establish lifelong friends within this fire department." Boyes reminded the recruits they are now in a position highly respected by the public and must conduct themselves accordingly -- both on and off duty. He also offered them advice, which one day may prove lifesaving. "Never, never become complacent when responding to an emergency call. Complacency kills firefighters," said Boyes. "No matter how routine the call may be, never become complacent. Your life may depend on this decision." Lee said firefighting is not like most other jobs where the new recruits get the easy jobs to help get them started. Sometimes the jobs are hard and sometimes they come much sooner than anticipated. "One of the recruits from the class of 2008 was put to the test early. A few days before last Christmas his crew responded to a townhouse fire in the middle of the night with reports of a missing child. The recruit was part of the search and rescue crew that found the little boy who was trapped in the burning townhouse," said Lee. "Unfortunately that child succumbed to smoke inhalation. Each of you has been trained to do what he (the recruit) had to do. He proved himself early in his career. Not everyone will have the same situation, but there is no doubt in my mind that you will prove yourself." For the recruits themselves, the moment of the graduation was probably best described by class valedictorian Randy Fabi. "Today is somewhat bittersweet for all of us," said Fabi. "On the one hand, it marks the completion of our training course. Courses, exams, evaluations, countless hours of volunteer and community work have finally paid off. On the other hand, today is the last day we're all together before being dispersed for our platoon assignments." The new recruits will begin work on shift immediately and will be stationed throughout Oakville's seven fire stations. Look inside your Oakville Beaver starting Thursday, November 26th