City hall opened its doors on Friday to celebrate the graduation of the city’s newest Edmonton Fire Rescue Services members. Fifty-nine new fire service professionals are joining EFRS: five will serve as emergency communications specialists, five as fire prevention officers and 49 as frontline firefighters. “Our firefighters, having completed extensive and rigorous training, are now ready to serve Edmonton in fire suppression, protecting life, property and the environment,” said Chief David Lazenby. “Complementing their efforts, Edmonton’s fire prevention officers will play a critical role in public safety education, providing essential inspection services and guidance for safe homes and businesses.” The new Edmonton firefighters will get placed throughout all fire stations. Emergency communication specialists will be assigned to the Emergency Response Communication Centre, while the fire prevention officers will offer inspection services and serve as educators around the city. Firefighter recruitment applications open each year in January.