Welcoming our next generation of firefighters!
Fifteen graduates join Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the next generation of firefighters yesterday at a graduation ceremony held at Vaughan City Hall.
Fifteen new recruits are now officially part of this dedicated team of skilled professionals who provide exceptional emergency response and fire protection, prevention, safety and education to the city of Vaughan.
During the ceremony, graduates were awarded with completion certificates and presented with their official caps and challenge coins. Mayor Steven Del Duca, City Manager Zoran Postic, Deputy City Manager Gus Michaels and Fire Chief Andrew Zvanitajs expressed their gratitude to the firefighters for their commitment to protecting the Vaughan community.
The recruits recently completed a rigorous 12-week program, which included training in operations, prevention, public education and emergency medical assessment and treatment. Every year, hundreds of individuals apply to join VFRS, with only a few dozen being considered for final job offers.
Two firefighters, Tristan Dassios and Madeline Giesel, were presented with awards at the ceremony in celebration of their commitment to keeping Vaughan safe.
QUOTES
“I am honoured to congratulate this year’s graduating class of firefighters as they join the ranks of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service. These highly trained and skilled professionals have answered the call of public service and will dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety and protection of our families, neighbours and the public spaces we use every day. Thank you all for your unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe and for serving our city with pride and honour.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am thrilled to welcome the new firefighters of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service. Their passion, perseverance and hard work truly paid off – and it is what led them to this special day. They are joining an outstanding team in Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, one of the leading emergency service teams in the province. I would like to thank everyone in the Vaughan Fire team for their ongoing commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of the community.”
- Zoran Postic, City Manager
“I want to congratulate our newest firefighters and welcome them to the City of Vaughan. This is the first milestone celebration in what we all hope will be a long and rewarding career for them with the City. In Community Services, we strive to deliver the highest level of public and customer service while putting public safety and well-being at the forefront. Whether providing lifesaving emergency response, public education, inspections or enforcement, every member of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service plays an important role in promoting healthy, vibrant and safe neighbourhoods.”
- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
“This is an exciting day for Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service as we welcome 15 new firefighters to our team. Out of hundreds of applicants, these skilled recruits proved they have what it takes to dedicate themselves to protecting and serving our community. It is my personal pleasure to celebrate and honour the new generation as they take on this essential role at the City of Vaughan. Congratulations to the 2025 graduates!”
- Fire Chief Andrew Zvanitajs
QUICK FACTS
VFRS has 330 firefighters, 390 staff and 383 uniformed personnel.
The City of Vaughan has 10 fire stations that provide full-service emergency response within city borders; help to neighbouring municipalities is also provided, when necessary.
The firefighter recruitment process can take more than six months due to the various steps and tough competition.
LEARN MORE
The Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service webpage
