LEONGATHA Fire Brigade’s friendly team looks forward to welcoming new members, holding a couple of upcoming information sessions for people in the community to learn how they can contribute and what they will gain by doing so.
“It’s more than firefighting,” First Lieutenant Ben Patterson said, with community engagement, cleaning trucks, and fundraising among the other ways to help.
For those wanting to be firefighters, there is no obligation to attend situations you are not comfortable with.
Brigade members are also well supported in dealing with the aftermath of confronting situations.
Sentinel-Times chatted to enthusiastic members of the Leongatha Brigade, with Tahlia Ebery having joined last year aged 17, while Ed Browning is still an active firefighter as he approaches 56 years of service.
“It’s the people you meet and what you learn,” Ed said, explaining why his motivation to turn up at Leongatha Fire Station is undiminished.
“CFA offers lots of training that improves your everyday knowledge and skills,” Ed said, pointing out that almost all of that is free for brigade volunteers and accommodation is provided at no cost if the training is in distant locations.
Ben said that among the many skills he has gained, he has obtained a truck licence and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
He added that volunteering is always going to look good when applying for work.
Ed stressed that while brigade life has its serious side “It’s a social organisation.”
It was apparent during Sentinel-Times’ visit to the Leongatha Fire Station that there is no shortage of good-natured banter between members, with Ed giving as good as he got.
He noted the organisation is a little like Rotary or Lions Clubs in terms of interaction with the public.
“You communicate with the community and try to educate people on fire awareness,” he said.
Tahlia has wasted no time seizing available training opportunities, also relishing the social side of the organisation.
In addition to General Fire Fighter training, she has already learned breathing apparatus and low structure skills and enjoyed taking part in a Strzelecki group training exercise at Coal Creek with other brigades from the region.
“I like being able to help people and being part of a good culture,” Tahlia said.
She is impressed with the opportunities available to all, including new members.
“We all get to play a part,” Tahlia said, explaining that those with less experience are given the chance to take on new roles and build their knowledge.
People can join Leongatha Fire Brigade from age 16, just as Ed did.
