NEW RECRUITS WELCOMED! New Fire Fighters Embark On Career At Ayr Fire Station

Becoming a full-time firefighter is no small feat, and Lindsay Wilson and Carter Dal Ponte are now two of Ayr's newest recruits. Selected from a pool of 5,000 to 7,000 applicants, both were offered positions at their local station after a rigorous selection process. As locals, they chose Ayr as their preferred deployment location, joining the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) in a demanding yet rewarding role.
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Lindsay Wilson holding an axe and Carter Dal Ponte holding the jaws of life Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

Fire Fighters Sign Up To Serve the Community

Over the next three years, Lindsay and Carter will undergo extensive training, working towards a Certificate III in Fire and Rescue Operations. Upon completion, they'll have the opportunity to further their skills and potentially become Senior Firefighters. Both are eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Meet Lindsay Wilson
For Lindsay Wilson, firefighting was more than a career choice—it was a calling. After six years and three attempts, he finally achieved his goal. Reflecting on his journey, Lindsay says, “You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when I made it in. It was my third attempt, and it took a lot of dedication, including a major surgery I had to overcome during the process.”
Lindsay is passionate about serving the community and being part of a team that thrives on camaraderie. “I really wanted to be in a position where I helped people. The community aspect of the role and the opportunity to be part of a team with a strong sense of camaraderie was important to me.”
Teamwork, Lindsay believes, is the cornerstone of firefighting. Recalling a challenging day working alongside rural firefighters, he says, “We were operating as a team, and it was incredible to watch everything come together. Everyone knew their role, and that unity made all the difference.”
However, firefighting comes with its pressures, particularly in high-stress situations where quick decisions are critical. One of Lindsay’s memorable experiences was during a backburning operation to protect a vulnerable area. “It was a process I hadn’t seen before, and it was amazing to watch the strategy unfold.”
Lindsay maintains his physical and mental health through regular training and a love for running. Music and humour also play an important role in helping him unwind. “Humour helps you move on from little mistakes and face the next challenge. And the camaraderie we have on shift makes a huge difference.”
When asked about the most essential quality a firefighter should have, Lindsay emphasises respect. “Someone is having the worst day of their life, and you need to respect that. It’s about the people we’re helping—caring, calmness, and respect are key.”
For Lindsay, firefighting is about more than putting out fires—it’s about protecting the community and approaching each situation with empathy and teamwork.
Carter Dal Ponte
For Carter Dal Ponte, firefighting wasn’t an initial career plan, but after speaking with professionals in the field, he realised it was the perfect fit.
“Becoming a firefighter was an afterthought for me. But after talking to firefighters, I knew it was something I wanted to do. The variety, hands-on problem-solving, and teamwork ticked all the boxes for me.”
Carter’s confidence in high-pressure situations has been shaped by observing senior officers and gaining experience through real-life incidents.
“We’ve been to quite a few jobs now, and seeing how senior officers operate has been really helpful. Each job builds confidence and problem-solving skills.”
One of Carter’s most intense experiences came during live fire training. “The repetition of those exercises builds your skills and confidence. You start with the basics, and over time, you move into more complex rescue scenarios like road crash rescue.”
Physical and mental resilience are critical to Carter’s performance, and he prioritises staying fit both on and off the job. “I’ve always been into the gym, and now we get to train on shift, which is great. Mentally, I rely on my support network of friends, family, and colleagues.”
When asked about the most important qualities a firefighter should have, Carter highlights teamwork and problem-solving. “You can have all the skills, but unless you work well together, it’s tough to excel. Thinking methodically under pressure is critical.”
Encouraging others to consider a career in firefighting, Carter says, “If anyone is thinking about giving it a go, it’s daunting, but 100% worth it.”

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Lindsay Wilson poses for the camera Photo Credit: Miah Lampard
Carter Dal Ponte smiles in front of the firetruck Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

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