Volunteer Fire Brigade making the difference!

When an emergency occurs and you need help, the Deloraine Volunteer Fire Brigade is there to lend a hand. There is no job too big or too small, from tackling a fire or responding to a car crash, there’s a lot volunteers do during emergencies – but there is also plenty of work behind the scenes.

Errol Gleeson, Western Tiers Group Officer has been a volunteer at the Deloraine Fire Brigade for 40 years. He has fulfilled a variety of Officer roles including Brigade Chief and now Group Officer.

Mr Gleeson said there’s many benefits to volunteering with Tasmania Fire Service.

“As a volunteer you are one of the first responders to help a person in their time of need,” he said.

“Volunteering with TFS will provide you with new skills, you will make new friends that will last a lifetime, be part of a team and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Alongside his brigade members, Mr Gleeson is dedicated to helping his community.

This year the Deloraine Fire Brigade have attended nearly 50 callouts to bushfires, structure fires, car crashes and medical emergencies where they assist Ambulance Tasmania.

“We even assisted in washing away a bulk milk spill on the highway,” Mr Gleeson said.

Deloraine Fire Brigade have just taken delivery of a brand-new state of the art Compressed Air Foam (CAFS) firefighting appliance, which allows firefighters to bring fires under control more quickly, and provides increased safety and protection to the crew. 

The brigade is comprised completely of volunteers who have work and family commitments, but still manage to find time to protect their community.

Tasmania Fire Service is very proud and appreciative of all its volunteers, for the vital work they do.

People interested in volunteering in the many diverse roles Tasmania Fire Service has to offer should visit www.fire.tas.gov.au/volunteering or email fire@fire.tas.gov.au to arrange contact with their local brigade.

You will need to be:

• At least 18 years of age (unless joining as a junior or cadet member)

• Of good character

• Available to regularly attend brigade meetings and training

• Available to attend emergency incidents if undertaking a response role)

• Medically and physically fit to undertake the work volunteers are given

• Able to become competent in the tasks volunteers are trained to perform

• Capable of working and fitting in with other volunteers