The National Fire Authority (NFA) held its graduation ceremony for the 34 new firefighter recruits at the RFNS Viti, Navy Training Base in Togalevu today.
Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Honourable Parveen Bala who was the chief guest at the event congratulated the new firefighter recruits and welcomed them into the NFA.

“The NFA plays an important role in the country and today you marched out as learned and qualified firefighters ready to serve the country.

“The NFA is an essential service and an important arm of Government because it is an emergency response organization that deals with people and their livelihood.

“Also of paramount importance to Government is the NFA’s role in the early mitigation of fires that threaten to destroy the economic infrastructure and investments that the Bainimarama Government has worked so hard to nurture, grow and safeguard against preventable hazards or causes,”Minister Bala said

The Minister also reminded the new recruits on the importance of being a disciplined firefighter.

“New appointments come with responsibility and accountability and I am certain that the training that you have undertaken over these past 10 weeks would have instilled in you discipline and the important corporate values that NFA upholds which relate to courage, honesty, respect, team work, innovation, loyalty and customer service or service before self.

“These values or virtues need to be demonstrated at all times as they are the hallmark of who you are, your service delivery and that of the NFA,”Minister Bala said.

“As new recruits you will also join the other firefighters as custodians of our nation’s fire and emergency services and I urge you all to serve the nation with the best of your abilities.”

The new recruits take up posting at the fire stations around the country.

Meanwhile, three special awards were given on the day to the graduating firefighters that were:

Highest Aggregate firefighter recruit: Kameli Bainivalu

Best All Round in Drill: Tevita Vakatawa

Best All Round Recruit: Timoci Seru