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Become
a Volunteer |
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need a large pool of volunteers, even if some are only called upon occasionally.
Callouts occur during the day or night, weekdays or weekends. Whatever hours
you work, we may be able to make use of you some time. Here in Sutton we are
especially keen to expand our pool of people available on weekdays during normal
working hours, as many of our active members work in town. |
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| Volunteers
must complete the Basic Training course. This is not arduous. It consists of
some theory sessions and a bit of practical experience in working pumps and
other equipment. Finally recruits are involved in a burn off or other controlled
fire situation where they work in the field. As well as people able to be on
regular callout, it is very useful to us to have trained volunteers who might
not be available on a regular basis, but who would be willing to turn out on
those rare occasions when a fire incident goes on for days and the regular guys
need some sleep. This might happen once every seven years, but when it does,
all hands are needed on deck. Even if you don't fancy raging infernos, some
of this work entails less arduous and scary mopping up under the supervision
of trained officers. |
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Sisters
Jodi and Vikki learn some of the skills at Basic Training |
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| The
Basic Training course is now being extended somewhat, and is no longer available
to those who simply want the knowledge to defend their own homes, but new community
education courses are being devised to cater for those responsible citizens. |
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As
well as formal training, there are familiarisation days at which trained
volunteers can refresh their skills and knowledge and untrained potential
volunteers can introduce themselves and check out the picture. We usually
hold one of these at the beginning of the fire season in conjunction with
the testing of pumps and equipment at the Yass River crossing at the end
of North Street. Sessions are also now being held on every 2nd Saturday
of the month at the fire station in Victoria Street. These will concentrate
on a different aspect each month, such as firefighter safety, pumps, map
reading or radio communications. |
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An
informal familiarisation session at the Yass River crossing |
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| You
may also be able to help without being at the fire front. Helping the Food Controller
to prepare food for the firefighters at an incident is important. Help with
the ongoing jobs of administration and communication with the community is also
always needed. Hey, if you could occasionally stick notices in the letterboxes
in your street it would help. |
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If
you are a member of the Sutton community here in New South Wales, Australia
and you can help us in any way, please let us know.
- If
you wish to undertake Basic Training, contact the Training Officer
- If
you are already a trained firefighter and wish to be added to our callout
list, contact the Secretary
- If
you are available to help with food rosters during a fire incident, contact
the Food Controller
- If
you can help with administrative chores, contact the Secretary
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| Training
does not stop with Basic, and there are various upgrades and specialised courses
available through the Rural Fire Service. A summary of the Training
Program is provided. For more detailed or specific information, contact
the Training Officer. |
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