Calgary Fire Department recruit class graduates after assisting with 2013 Flood

This afternoon, 40 Calgary Fire Department (CFD) recruits were presented with CFD badges after completing  several weeks of fire services training  in addition to providing two weeks of evacuation and recovery assistance as a result of the June flood. 

“When the State of Local Emergency was declared, it was all hands on deck and recruits were no exception,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Recruits worked alongside firefighters and other first responders offering citizens the safety and protection they required.”  

During the flood, the recruits were reassigned from their firefighter training program to assist Canada Task Force 2, one of four national teams which lead emergency response initiatives during large-scale disasters.  The recruits helped with neighbourhood evacuations, pumping out flooded basements, removing damaged drywall and damaged items from homes, and welcoming evacuees back to their homes after the flood waters receded.

“This group of new firefighter graduates gained an invaluable work experience that we are confident will assist them in their future careers,” said Calgary Fire Chief Bruce Burrell.  “Regardless of the challenges they faced, they were clearly dedicated to helping the citizens of Calgary and consistently upheld our core values – pride, professionalism, teamwork and respect.”

Today’s class of graduating recruits will complete final training requirements over the next several weeks. Once they have completed training, graduates will be assigned to a fire station to begin working as probationary firefighters with the Calgary Fire Department.

The Calgary Fire Department is committed to providing service excellence to the citizens, businesses and visitors of Calgary.  

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