Twenty-four new firefighters will join the Caledon Fire and Emergency Services this summer, bringing the department’s total strength to nearly 300.
According to a news release, this is the “largest full-time recruit class” in the fire department’s history.
The new recruits, who celebrated their graduation on May 1, will officially start their duties in August, an email from the town’s communication department stated.
The news release noted that the group completed more than 600 hours of “intensive training” over four months, including live fire exercises, firefighter survival, rapid intervention scenarios, and zero-visibility search and rescue.
The training took place in “challenging winter conditions” which involved operating in extreme cold, snow and high winds, the release added.
“They are well prepared to respond to emergencies and support the safety of Caledon residents,” stated Fire Chief Dave Pelayo.
The release noted that Caledon residents made up half of the class. With an average age of 31, the new recruits have backgrounds in the trades, medical services and public service. Many have technical skills and can communicate in multiple languages.
According to the email statement, Caledon will have 297 firefighters — 62 full-time and 235 volunteers — once this class officially joins the department in August.
The email also noted that following a recruitment drive earlier this year, the fire department is currently in the process of finishing interviews for new volunteer positions that will add to the team.