Helping the community is one of the biggest driving factors behind joining Gloucester Fire and Rescue and now's the time to put your hand up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The crew is currently recruiting up to three new members to join the Gloucester 303. Being a member is a paid position that requires some daytime availability with the ability to make it to the station within minutes.
For captain Mark Edwards, being self-employed has made it possible for him to be a part of the crew for the past 21 years.
"It would suit someone who has a job with flexibility and who is able to give a minimum commitment of at least 24 hours a week to be on call," Mark explained.
Unlike the NSW Rural Fire Service, whose members are volunteers, the 'townie' fire fighters at Fire and Rescue are paid for training and given monthly retainer. According to deputy captain, Michael Fenning, the Gloucester Fire and Rescue crew need to live and work within a seven to 10 minute drive to the station on King Street.
"They want us to roll within seven minutes," Michael explained.
Fire and Rescue get called out for a range of emergencies, not just house fires. It could be for a motor vehicle accident, a bush fire or a storm. They are there to assist all the emergency departments when there is a need. On average, the crew attends around 90 call outs a year.
Being there to support the community in a time of need is what drove both Mark and Micheal to get on board.
"To help the community that's basically what brought me here," Mark Edwards said.
Michael found himself putting his hand up to help 13 years ago for the same reason and also because he had a lot of mates involved.
To join the team, you need to have some daytime availability, be reasonably active and pass a medical.To learn more about being part of the Gloucester Fire and Rescue team, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au or call the Gloucester station on 6558 1703 and ask for Mark.