Volunteer to step up

Officer CFA's management team of, top, left to right, 4th Lieutenant Kane Free, 1st Lieutenant Steve Munday and, front, 3rd Lieutenant Rob McCandless, Captain Justin Van Den Broek and 2nd Lieutenant Josh Stephens, is encouraging residents to sign up.

By Bonny Burrows

Officer Fire Brigade is seeking some enthusiastic new members to join its volunteer ranks.
In particular the brigade is looking to attract locals with weekday daytime availability – the most difficult time period for a volunteer brigade to attract members due to work commitments.
Brigade Secretary Kayla George said this could suit students, retirees, shift or part-time workers, or even the unemployed.
“In addition, those with a truck licence would be highly desired,” Ms George said.
“If you’re interested in potentially volunteering for the Officer Fire Brigade but this availability doesn’t suit your personal circumstances, please feel free to register interest anyway.
“Your application will be kept on file for the next recruiting drive where general availability members will be sought.”
Celebrating 75 years of service this year, Officer Fire Brigade is 100 per cent volunteer run and attends more than 200 calls for assistance each year.
Formerly a rural brigade, the development of the township has seen Officer Fire Brigade adapt to meet its growing population and changing needs.
Ms George said that calls attended by the brigade include house and factory fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents as well as grass and scrub fires.
“In addition, Officer Fire Brigade specialises in liquid petroleum gas (LPG) response incidences and supports many nearby suburbs in this type of emergency,” she said.
To ensure the high performing teams’ skills remain finely tuned, Officer Fire Brigade members train on Monday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Outside of these hours, members also attend nationally recognised and accredited training courses that benefit them in both personal and employment environments.
While there is no specific fitness requirement, Ms George said members must pass a police check, be able to adequately handle tools and hoses as well as wear protective equipment.
Potential new members don’t need experience to join the brigade, and can expect to be provided with all the skills necessary to make a positive difference in the community.
For those not looking to fight on the fire ground, Ms George said there were a number of non-operational roles available.
“Other than firefighting and emergency response activities, Officer Fire Brigade attends a number of community events throughout the year,” Ms George said,
“In addition, Officer Fire Brigade also offers educational and safety sessions such as Fire Safe Kids.
“If the community spots an Officer Fire Brigade fire truck out and about, members will always be happy to show kids – both big and small – around, unless, of course, an emergency incident is underway.”
Anyone who would like to register their interest or find out more about the Officer Fire Brigade can contact the brigade through its Facebook page @OfficerFireBrigade or via email at CFAOFB@outlook.com.
Other brigades are also often looking for new members.