Crookwell Fire and Rescue has welcomed two new retained firefighter recruits, Ally Murray and Danniel Jenkins.
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The pair must now complete a rigorous training schedule before they can work out in the field.
Phase one, a four-day training session will teach the firefighters the use of self-contained breathing apparatus and safety issues, will begin next week.
Mrs Murray and Mr Jenkins had to pass a series of tests before being selected, including the physical aptitude test (PAT).
A gruelling challenge that pits the contenders against the clock.
Relying on his physical fitness from a decade of work in the underground fire crew in the coal mines, father of four Mr Jenkins admits: "I was naive, I didn't train for it,”
"I got through it in 11 minutes and I was almost dead in the end, and I was sore for a week after it," Mr Jenkins said.
Mrs Murray agreed the physical challenge was difficult, adding: "Now that I'm in, I've been training even harder."
The new recruits will work under the guidance of veteran Captain Glenn Bonomini, he can’t wait to have the new recruits trained and out in the field.
Mr Bonomini and Deputy Captain have a combined 60 years of experience, Mr Bonomini spending the last 11 at the helm.
Mrs Murray said she’s always wanted to be in the brigade, "It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life. I’ve been RFS for the last 20 years. I have three kids, I waited for them to be a bit older so I can go out on jobs.”
Crookwell Fire and Rescue is a Primary Rescue Crew unit, providing emergency response to trapped persons in vehicles or buildings.