Following his father’s footsteps, Phillip Roche, of Windsor, can’t wait to give back to the community and kick off his new career fighting fires across the Hawkesbury and regions around the state.
The 28-year old graduated from the Fire and Rescue NSW state training college last month and has since been officially welcomed into the world of a firefighter which he has grown to love since the age of 13.
Mr Roche said he has been raised to appreciate the hard work of dedicated volunteers because he has spent the last 15 years watching his father, Windsor fire station captain Kim Roche, put his life at risk to help the community.
‘‘Dad has always taken me with him to the fire station so I grew up knowing quite a bit about they operate and the precautions fire fighters take before going out to a job,’’ Mr Roche said.
‘‘He taught me that it’s a challenging career but the fire fighting world of rush, tears, laughter and friendship is something I have admired and developed a deep passion for ever since I was a teenager.’’
Along with 24 other recruits, Mr Roche went through 13 weeks of intense training in firefighting, road crash rescue, high-angle rescue, community risk management, fire science and hazardous materials response.
‘‘It was the best three months of my life, I met so many people, gained so much knowledge and was able to demonstrate my skills to my fullest potential. Now I can finally say with pride that I am a qualified fire fighter.’’
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres, congratulated the new recruits on successfully completing the course at last week’s graduation ceremony and said they were about to embark on a unique and rewarding career.
“I wish these men and women well in what is an important, but sometimes dangerous profession dedicated to protecting lives, property and the environment of NSW.”
