Toronto Fire Services (TFS) has added 19 new call-takers and dispatchers to its communications team.
As reported by Toronto Fire Service, these new members have completed an eight-week training program, achieving certification in Public Safety Telecommunications from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The new graduates will be assigned to platoons where they will manage emergency calls, dispatch firefighters, and provide support to first responders.
This recruitment bolsters the service that TFS provides to residents of Toronto, Canada’s largest city.
TFS Chief Matthew Pegg spoke at the graduation ceremony, acknowledging the hard work of the new recruits and their families.
He said: “These recruits have successfully completed intensive telecommunications training, preparing themselves for the challenges associated with emergency response in North America’s fourth-largest city.”
The new recruits have undergone rigorous training over an eight-week period.
This program included comprehensive instruction in emergency response communications, providing them with the skills required to manage high-pressure situations.
They are now certified as Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel under the NFPA, a crucial qualification for handling emergency calls and dispatching resources effectively.
Chief Pegg expressed confidence in the new recruits: “I am confident each graduate will serve the residents of Toronto with courage and compassion, and we proudly welcome them to our team.”
The primary role of the new call-takers and dispatchers is to ensure the efficient and effective processing of emergency calls.
They serve as the first point of contact for residents requiring emergency assistance and are tasked with coordinating the appropriate response by dispatching fire service resources.
In addition to their immediate role in dispatching, these team members play a critical role in supporting first responders by providing essential information that helps protect both the public and emergency personnel during incidents.
Toronto Fire Services is the largest fire service in Canada, known for its all-hazards emergency response capabilities.
As the only fire department in Toronto, it provides essential fire protection and emergency response services for both residents and businesses in the city.
The organization is also accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), which highlights the quality and effectiveness of its services.
Toronto is the largest North American city with this accreditation, ensuring that the service provided by TFS is aligned with international standards.
This new class of graduates will help maintain and enhance the level of service provided to the community.
Toronto Fire Services has graduated 19 new call-takers and dispatchers, who have completed an eight-week training program and earned certification from the National Fire Protection Association.
These individuals will manage emergency calls and dispatch fire service resources in Toronto, the largest city in Canada.
Chief Matthew Pegg welcomed the new recruits during a ceremony, commending their preparation for the high-pressure role they will play in the city’s emergency response system.
TFS is the largest fire service in Canada, providing emergency services to Toronto’s residents and businesses.