Key Takeaways:
- Volunteer firefighters face intense and traumatic situations, putting their lives on the line to protect their communities.
- Despite the risks, many volunteers are motivated by a sense of duty, camaraderie, and the knowledge that they are making a genuine impact on people’s lives.
- The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is working to create more flexible roles and pathways for new volunteers to join, particularly through cadet programs.
- Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in defending communities against bushfires, and their bravery and dedication are essential to keeping people safe.
- The need for new volunteers is ongoing, with many brigades struggling to attract new members and facing challenges in retaining existing ones.
Introduction to Volunteer Firefighting
The world of volunteer firefighting is one of intense bravery, selflessness, and dedication. For 37 years, Kelvin Portland has been a volunteer firefighter, facing countless daunting moments and traumatic events. One such moment that stands out in his memory is a fast-moving spinifex fire that threatened to engulf a mining camp, with the roar of the flames sounding like a jet engine. This experience is just one example of the many challenges that volunteer firefighters face, and it highlights the importance of their work in protecting communities from the devastating effects of bushfires.
The Challenges of Volunteer Firefighting
Volunteer firefighters like Kelvin Portland face numerous challenges, including extreme environments, grueling hours, and heightened health risks. They often work in unrelenting weather conditions, high heat, or smoke, which can exacerbate negative impacts on their physical and mental health. Despite these risks, they continue to put their lives on the line without expecting any financial reward. The physical and emotional toll of this work can be significant, with many volunteers experiencing traumatic events and struggling to cope with the aftermath. For example, Kelvin recalls a particularly intense fire that created its own storm, with the sheer ferocity and intense heat distorting the air.
Motivations and Rewards
So, what motivates volunteers like Kelvin Portland to continue their work despite the challenges? For many, it is the knowledge that they are making a genuine impact on people’s lives. Kelvin and his colleague Luke McCall, who is at the beginning of his volunteer firefighting career, share a similar motivation. They find reward in the sense of duty and camaraderie that comes with being part of a tight-knit team. Luke, in particular, values the bonds he has formed with his fellow volunteers, describing them as his "second family." This sense of community and duty is essential to the survival of volunteer bushfire brigades, which rely on the dedication and bravery of their members to operate effectively.
The Importance of Camaraderie and Community
The camaraderie and sense of community that exists within volunteer firefighting teams is a crucial factor in motivating volunteers to continue their work. Luke McCall, who joined the Mundaring Volunteer Fire Brigade through the cadet program, credits his colleagues with helping him find the strength to keep going, even in the face of traumatic events. The brigade’s Deputy Commissioner, Craig Waters, also emphasizes the importance of creating pathways for new volunteers to join, including flexible roles and clear pathways for cadets and junior members to become active firefighters. This approach helps to foster a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for retaining existing volunteers and attracting new ones.
Creating Pathways for New Volunteers
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is working to create more flexible roles and pathways for new volunteers to join, particularly through cadet programs. This approach recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining new volunteers, who are essential to the survival of volunteer bushfire brigades. Luke McCall, who joined the Mundaring Volunteer Fire Brigade through the cadet program, credits the program with helping him develop his communication skills and build his confidence. The program has also helped him form close bonds with his fellow volunteers, who have become like a second family to him.
The Need for New Volunteers
The need for new volunteers is ongoing, with many brigades struggling to attract new members and facing challenges in retaining existing ones. Kelvin Portland, who has been a volunteer firefighter for 37 years, notes that his brigade has not had a new member in a long time. This highlights the importance of creating pathways for new volunteers to join and ensuring that existing volunteers feel supported and valued. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is working to address this challenge, recognizing that volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in defending communities against bushfires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, volunteer firefighters like Kelvin Portland and Luke McCall are the unsung heroes of their communities, putting their lives on the line to protect others from the devastating effects of bushfires. Despite the challenges and risks, they continue to be motivated by a sense of duty, camaraderie, and the knowledge that they are making a genuine impact on people’s lives. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is working to create more flexible roles and pathways for new volunteers to join, recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining new volunteers to ensure the survival of volunteer bushfire brigades. As Kelvin Portland notes, "You get that feeling that I have done something, I have achieved something in my life," highlighting the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes with being a volunteer firefighter.
