The volunteer fire service is an integral part of many smaller and rural communities and a great way for people to assist their local community and learn some invaluable skills. On call 24/7, volunteers undergo extensive and continual training to deal with the likes of vegetation and house fires and motor vehicle accidents. They can also be called in to assist on search and rescue operations.
Kierin Oppatt has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 16. He was put into a mentoring programme for two years and how now been a volunteer for almost six years. While there can certainly be many challenges, one of the best parts of the role that all volunteers enjoy is training with the helicopter and monsoon bucket.
To become a volunteer, you need to be able to relate well to people from all walks of life, work well in a team, enjoy working in the community, remain calm in emergencies and be able to make good judgements.
For Kierin the chance to give something back to his local community and learn great skills at the same time was a key factor in his decision to volunteer. There's no doubt there is a certainly level of adrenalin involved but overall he has found being a volunteer has improved his confidence and leadership skills.
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