Kenilworth Firies Open Day 19 Nov 8am-12noon

KENILWORTH OPEN DAY ~ 19 NOV

LOCAL CHAMPIONS NEEDED

Kenilworth Fire Station is looking for new members to join our Rural and Auxiliary teams. You’ve probably seen the yellow or red trucks responding to incidents on the weekends, or patrolling around the area in times of crisis, but may not realise that it is something you could easily get involved with.

With the terrible fire season of 2019/2020 not long in the rearview mirror – several severe floods earlier this year – and another wet summer ahead, it's now more important than ever that our local emergency services are well resourced to deal with any incidents that arise.

The Rural Fire Brigade responds predominantly to bush, grass, and wildfires, but also plays an important role in supporting the Auxiliary crew.

The Auxiliary crew responds to everything from house fires, traffic incidents, vehicle fires, and HAZMAT Incidents, to vertical and swift water rescue, and also backs up the Rural crew at wildfire incidents.

Training is comprehensive and you’ll learn all of the skills required to perform the role of a firefighter, and assist the community in times of need.

Being a firefighter is a fantastic part-time career – it's open to everyone who meets the minimum requirements, and offers a great opportunity to learn new skills, serve your community, and become part of a skilled and dedicated team.

WHY WOULD YOU DO IT?

For Nicole Drey – “As a female stepping into a male dominated industry, I questioned my personal abilities and suitability but from the moment I walked into the Kenilworth Fire Station, I was welcomed and supported as an equal.

Throughout my journey I have been given many opportunities to support my community during devastating times.

The memories of driving through the Peregian firestorms to protect homes or packing my bags for deployment during fire season will always be with me.

Ongoing training keeps our skillsets up to date in preparation for the next person in distress.

Being a firefighter has given me a sense of purpose and I am proud to have taken the steps and never given up no matter how challenging.

I have found due to the nature of the job, the trust and camaraderie developed between firefighters is unlike anything you would find in any other regular job.

"I was welcomed and supported as an equal. ” Nicole Drey, pictured.

It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you can reach the minimum requirements, you too can be a firefighter.” Nicole, pictured above, in breathing apparatus.

For Ross Nisbet –

“I have lived in Kenilworth and been involved with the firies, in both the Rural Fire Brigade and Auxiliaries and since 1989, and am the longest serving member of the brigade. My wife and I had three young children at the time when we moved to Kenilworth.

I first heard about the need for firefighters in talking with other parents at the school. I was reluctant at first as I didn’t think I would have the time to commit to it with work a young family, but my wife convinced me to give it a go.

I started as a rural firefighter, and from there soon progressed to joining the Auxiliaries.

Back then, the application requirements were a little less rigorous than today, but I still had to do numerousy and literacy tests, and a medical, and then we went straight into training on the job – turning out to incidents with the rest of the Kenilworth crew. Peter Dobson was the Captain back then, and remained so for many years until he unfortunately passed away from illness.

It wasn’t until 2002 that formal training was implemented, and I did a seven day course at Kawana. Here, we learnt the formal drills and skills that are fundamental to firefighter training.

Over the years, I have responded to a wide range of incidents, from assisting QAS with medical emergencies, to road crash rescues, vegetation fires, house and vehicle fires, search and rescue.

We also do a lot of work in the community, such as fire education at the local school, displays at the Kenilworth Show, fire permits, and controlled burns.

It has been a challenging career, not only with having a full time day job, and family commitments, but also from the point of view of responding to difficult and sometimes confronting incidents. But it has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to serve their community, learn new skills, and become a part of a great team.”

Ross, pictured below, doing fire education at Kenilworth State Community College.

Ross Nesbitt, Kenilworth Fire Brigade

For Lachlan Bradford –

“I’ve been a member of the Obi Obi and Kenilworth Rural fire brigades for around two years now, and for a year with the Kenilworth Auxiliaries. During this time, I’ve realised that I would like to make firefighting my career and I am now applying for a permanent position within QFES.

While the jobs can be both physically and mentally challenging, joining the fire service has, without a doubt, been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made.

I’ve had the opportunity to partake in a vast array of training courses.

These have enhanced my skills and knowledge across many fields, from rural fire fighting to advanced first aid and structural firefighting.

It feels great knowing that you’re a part of a team with the skills and equipment that can make a difference to help people in need.

If you’re community minded, would like to broaden your skill set and take pride in helping others this is a great opportunity. I highly recommend coming to a training night and giving it a go!”

Lachy, pictured on the left, receiving his Epaulettes on completion of basic training.

Left, Lachlan Bradford, Kenilworth Fire Brigade

Kindly submitted by Andrew Lindsay, Kenilworth Fire Brigade.