Welcoming 16 new firefighters to Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service proudly welcomed 16 probationary firefighters into its ranks on Jan. 16, celebrating their graduation at a ceremony held at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.). The event marked the culmination of months of rigorous training and the beginning of a career dedicated to protecting the Vaughan community.

Sixteen 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 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 15-week training curriculum, which included training in operations, fire prevention, public education and emergency medical assessment and treatment. Every year, hundreds of individuals apply to join VFRS, with only a few dozen considered for final job offers.

One firefighter, Terrance Exner, was presented with an award at the ceremony in celebration of their commitment to keeping Vaughan safe.

QUOTES

"I am pleased to congratulate this year's graduating class of firefighters on completing this challenging program. The highly skilled members of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service have dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety and protection of our families, neighbours and the public spaces we use every day. They go above and beyond and demonstrate courage, compassion and integrity. Welcome to the newest generation of Vaughan firefighters, and thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe. You are joining a truly exceptional team."

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

"I am thrilled to welcome the City's newest firefighters! Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is one of the leading fire teams in the province, with each and every member displaying a true dedication to protecting the health, safety and well-being of residents and visitors to our city. Congratulations to all the recruits, and I wish you all the very best on this new journey."

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

"Congratulations to our newest firefighters! On behalf of everyone in the Community Services portfolio, I want to welcome you and wish you the best as you embark on a very rewarding career. Every member of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service plays an important role in promoting a healthy, vibrant and safe city for everyone. Whether providing lifesaving emergency response, education, inspections or enforcement, I know you will strive to deliver the highest level of Service Excellence while putting public safety and well-being at the forefront."

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

"Today is an exciting one for Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service as we welcomed 16 new recruits to our firefighting team. With perseverance, skill and dedication, this year's graduates have shown that they have what it takes to serve the people of Vaughan. I am proud to celebrate the next generation of firefighters and look forward to seeing the impact they make within the VFRS team and the city. Congratulations to the 2026 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.

• Firefighter recruitment is a highly competitive process that can take more than six months due to the selection and screening steps.

LEARN MORE

• Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service webpage