What State do you live in?

International

Type of Organization

Volunteer Fire Department

Job Function

Captain

Years in Fire/EMS:

45

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Country Fire Authority of Australia - Phillip Island Fire Brigade

Years With Department/Agency

45

Dept. Web Site:

http://cfa.vic.gov.au

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Long History, primarily in Telecommunications and IT Industry, plus some time in Australian Army.

My Training:

CFA and TAFE training: Wildfire (bushfire) and Structural Fire Fighter, HAZMAT and TIC. Qualified Trainer.
Non-FF -: Technical Officer Telecommunications and IT.

About Me:

Male - semi-retired (GFC fixed that), member of Red Knights MCC (Australia 8) - Bass Coast. Ride BMW F650GS, own 1 SAAB car (ouch!, 2001 9-3S Hatch). Currently working for Country Fire Authority - roll out of P25 Network.

Day Job:

Trainer (Electrical Safety) , Consultant IT&Telecomms, Radio CFA

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Family tradition - Family of Fire Fighters from way back, Dad was a Captain, starting with Grandfather from the early 20th century ( Awarded Royal Humane Society Medal for saving lives in bush fires).
Its a simple matter - do something to save others and yourselves.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Interesting meet all types , and experiences

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Economic impact on Volunteers, limits ability to turn out. i.e. turn out and lose your job! This especially impacts on daytime turnouts.
The baby boomers - a volunteer generation, now we are on the way out and the next generation(s) need to replace us, this is of major concern and training and appropriate experience is of extreme importance.