By Jessica Anstice
Being a volunteer emergency responder is many a young boy’s dream, and Country Fire Authority (CFA) are making those dreams come true by allowing them the chance to be trained as junior firefighters.
In the light of International Youth Day on Wednesday 12 August, the Gazette spoke with two teens, Jordan Simpson and Jacob schaefer, who have served at Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade for a number of years now who say it’s been life-changing to say the least.
A dedicated volunteer, 15-year-old Jordan comes from a line of first responders in his family.
Both of his parents became volunteer firefighters when he was just six-months-old, while his sister joined the CFA as a junior when she was younger.
Yet it wasn’t just a chance to follow in the family footsteps that persuaded Jordan to join the local brigade.
He saw it as a chance to do something he was passionate about – helping others and safeguarding his community.
“I joined the CFA when I was 11-years-old, but I have been around it for as long as I can remember,” he recalled.
“I love meeting people, doing something different from other normal things people do and helping others.
“It’s fun and I learn stuff that I can use later on when I get older and join up as a volunteer firefighter.”
In terms of training, the junior firefighters at Nar Nar Goon meet every Monday evening, to learn basic firefighting skills.
The group of about six, learn about fire behaviour, first aid, CPR, and importantly, what to do in an emergency.
The junior firefighters often go on trips, participate in community events and run tours of the fire station for local community groups.
“We have had scout groups come to the station for tours,” Jordan said.
“I’ve taken a group of kids around and shown them what we do and the types of trucks we have and we have fun.”
The two teens’ stories show that regardless of whether they’re keeping up the family legacy or striking out on their own, they’re both in it for the same reason – to become good role models.
14-year-old Jacob joined the Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade not long after he and his family moved to Pakenham East about three years ago.
After watching his older brother participate in the CFA’s junior firefighter program at the Narre Warren Brigade while he was growing up, Jacob always knew it was something he wanted to do.
“I always wanted to be a firefighter – I look up to my brother a lot,” he said.
“I like being a role model to younger kids and mentoring new members when they join. I love showing them around, talking to them when they need my help with drills and teaching them.
“Being a firefighter, it’s rewarding having people look up to you in a way.”
Jacob said another benefit of becoming a firefighter is the amount of new knowledge that can be gained from it.
“I learn a lot too. The parents came to the station one day and I had to show mum around the trucks and she was amazed about how much I knew about it all,” he added.
“We also learn first aid, which can help in a situation in the real world.
“It’s just a good experience I guess. It’s fun, it’ll get you fit and you can meet a lot of really good people.”
