How long have you been part of the fire service?
Fourteen years. I started in Clyde as a recruit there and transferred to the Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade seven and a-half years ago as a station officer.
Why did you become a firefighter?
I was born in Twizel and my father was a member of the fire brigade there, and kids growing up back in that era, families spent a lot of their time socialising at the fire brigade. It was just such a fantastic time. It’s a childhood dream really.
Why did you pursue the top job?
I like being in charge of people. It’s about having an extra challenge as a leader.
What have you enjoyed most about being a firefighter?
The people we meet on the job are so appreciative of the Fire Service. The firefighters you meet. Going to training courses, you’re meeting people from throughout the country, so people you meet you make friends for life. I’m still in touch with people I did my training with 14 years ago.
Why stay a firefighter after all of these years?
It’s just the big adrenaline rush you get from it. I suppose the thought that whatever we do we know we’re making a difference to somebody’s life. The camaraderie we’ve got in the brigade is second to none. We’re one big tight family. The jobs we go to — we are dealing with some fatalities — but the way we look after each other and stick together has just been phenomenal.
What is the biggest challenge facing the Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade?
Our crew numbers will be. That we keep the numbers up. We’re currently sitting around 18 and have signed on two recruits.
What does the future hold for the brigade?
I think it’s exciting. There’s big changes coming in the Fire Service between urban and rural — they’re going to [collaborate] as one. The changes will be very easy to adapt to and make the Omarama unit a much stronger resourced unit. We’ll have a lot more resources.
