By Alana Mitchelson
A DEDICATED group of Pakenham SES members have completed their final road crash rescue (RCR) assessment after 18 months of extensive training.
The trainees put their skills to the test on Tuesday 22 November to receive one of the many high qualifications SES members can achieve.
Trainees Corey Johnson, 27, Kirsty Nichols, 26, Greg Mckenzie, 31, Nicole Giles-Ackaoui, 48, and 22-year-old Hassan Fahd have been meeting on a weekly basis to train at the Pakenham SES headquarters and have been involved with the unit for three to five years.
Pakenham unit controller Andrew Graham said volunteers receive training that is regularly updated to allow the unit to continue its work safeguarding the community.
“Our members give their time freely to help their community in times of need. It’s important they have the right tools and skills for the job,” Mr Graham said.
“We often respond to incidents on short notice at odd hours, so it’s important we are ready to go at all times – and we are.
“We would like to thank Metal Man Recycling in Pakenham for their continued support providing the vehicles for our unit to practice on – support like this enables us to keep our skills up to date.”
SES is Victoria’s response agency for flood, storm, earthquake and tsunami emergency, as well as operating the largest road rescue network in Victoria. SES volunteers also assist police, fire brigades and other agencies when required.
For more information about SES and volunteering, visit ses.vic.gov.au
