Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Team Member

Years in Fire/EMS:

2

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

country fire service

Years With Department/Agency

2

My Training:

Level 1 - Basic Firefighting
Plantation Firefighting
CABA/SCBA
Hazmat Combatant
Comparment Firefighting
First Aid & Ambulance/EMT Assist

About Me:

Well im Derek, 19, from the Adelaide hill's town of Balhannah, i respond with the Oakbank/Balhannah Country Fire Service. We attend up to 150 calls a year, and our specialist capability is Hazmat. joined them back in January 2007. Its been an interesting ride from being a Probie to now. Yet, its very early days still.

I work for an Accounting firm, doing IT support part time, meanwhile studying computer studies.

I aim to move into fire/rescue for a career someday, just have to wait and see.

Day Job:

IT Support Officer - Accounting firm

Relationship Status:

Single

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

To give something to the community (and further out) without anything in return.
Initally to take on a challenge of "something different", now to experience life for what it really is outside of desk jockey jobs.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I/We are there for people, when they are most in need. And no two jobs are the same!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

For Volunteers: Time availabilty to attend Firecalls. A Huge amount of Knowledge to retain, on top of normal life/day job knowledge. Volunteer Retention.