Shoalhaven Fire Station officer Sean Doohan is currently in Bombala meeting with people and assisting the Bombala crew in getting the word out about the range of work the firefighters do and the need for good local community minded people to consider becoming a part time firefighter.

Bombala firefighter, acting deputy captain Malcolm Lavender said that firefighters come from all walks of life and all come from different working backgrounds.

“The range of work firefighters carry out is variable, we attend motor vehicle accidents, house fires, attend to household incidents and assist paramedics,” he said.

“Part of what we do is attend incidents, but we take part in a lot of training which include basic life support, learning about appliance development, obtaining licences to drive the fire trucks and using the equipment.

Firefighters are on a retainer and are paid to attend incidents and undertake training.

“There are different layers of firefighting linked with FRNSW, we don’t fight forest fires, our role is more to protect people, livestock and property,” deputy captain Lavender said.

Bombala Fire and Rescue trains two Mondays a month as well as doing ongoing upskilling training throughout the year.

In the beginning firefighters go though two training phases to become a firefighter and after a probationary time they become eligible to take part and participate in the next phase as a primary rescue firefighter.

Interested people are invited to pop down to the Bombala Fire and Rescue station where Shoalhaven’s station officer, Sean Doohan will be meeting with people Wednesday and Thursday, providing as much information as he can about the recruitment drive.

You can also email Bombala firefighter Malcolm Lavender at malcolm.lavender@fire.nsw.gov.au.