Olesa de Montserrat, Catalonia, hosted the graduation ceremony for 290 new firefighters who are now joining the Catalan fire service, beginning their operational duties across the region.
The new intake comprises 183 men and 107 women, with women making up 36.90% of the recruits, reflecting a clear commitment to gender parity within the force.
Núria Parlon, Minister for Interior and Public Security, presided over the ceremony at La Passió theatre, highlighting the government's ambition to increase the total number of firefighters to 4,000. She emphasised the importance of a strategic plan to ensure the Catalan fire service continues to be a benchmark and its personnel work in optimal conditions.
Extensive Training Programme
To reach this operational phase, the recruits completed a comprehensive training programme that combined theoretical learning at the Institute of Public Security of Catalonia (ISPC) with specialised practical sessions. These practicals included fire training in Zaragoza, aquatic rescue in La Seu d'Urgell, and forest management exercises in Tivissa, according to the ISPC.
Marta Roca Fina, Director of the ISPC, stated that this diversity "is a commitment to talent, to the transformation of the organisation, to making it more open, to identifying and utilising different capacities, new ways of doing things. Ultimately, it is for the strengthening of the organisation."
Minister Parlon further noted the "qualitative leap" the service is making for the future with the addition of these 290 new firefighters, and the "qualitative leap" in terms of territorial coverage, ensuring the entire region of Catalonia is served by the best professionals.
Following the receipt of their certificates, the new firefighters are immediately integrated into active service. The ISPC director reminded them that continuous training will be essential to adapt to the evolving risks within the emergency system.
