Today, Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg and other City of Toronto officials welcomed 51 frontline first responders to the City at a graduation ceremony for the newest group of Operations Firefighters.
Operations Firefighters mitigate fires, respond to thousands of medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials incidents and many other emergencies that occur across Toronto each day. The recruits graduated from their intensive, 18-week recruit training program with National Fire Protection Association and received the professional qualifications as Operations Firefighters, Fire Prevention Inspectors and Public Educators. This allows Toronto Fire Services (TFS) to conduct an increased number of Ontario Fire Code inspections, resulting in enhanced fire protection service levels across the City.
TFS is the largest fire service in Canada and the City’s only all-hazards emergency response organization. TFS provides Toronto residents, visitors and businesses with a suite of world-class fire protection services that include public education, fire prevention, Ontario Fire Code enforcement and all-hazards emergency response.
The City is also the largest city in North America with a fire service having Accredited Agency Status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Quotes:
I am pleased to congratulate and welcome these new Operations Firefighters to the City’s cadre of frontline emergency services. Their commitment to public safety is commendable and I would like to extend my thanks to the new recruits for dedicating their professional careers to protecting and saving the lives of Toronto residents, visitors and businesses.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Over the last 18 weeks, these recruit firefighters have successfully completed an intensive training program, getting prepared for the challenges associated with emergency response in the diverse, complex and vertical city that is Toronto. On behalf of the TFS Command Team, I offer my congratulations to each graduate and their families. I am confident each graduating firefighter will serve the residents of Toronto with courage, compassion and service in all they do.”
– Chief Matthew Pegg, Toronto Fire Services
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.