A critical shortage in qualified firefighters is putting pressure on those sworn to protect our communities.
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A problem across all Fire + Rescue NSW (FRNSW) brigades, the shortage is impacting directly on Southern Riverina stations.
Numbers are so low at Berrigan that district firefighters are required to fill relief positions just to ensure the fire station can react in an emergency.
It in turn places more pressure on the other local brigades, where there is a reducing number of dedicated, long-serving firefighters.
The captains of the Berrigan Jerilderie, Finley and Tocumwal brigades say without new recruits to come up through the ranks, the situation will not improve.
Berrigan Captain Staurt Lee said he is desperate for recruits just to keep his station open.
“We have been short recently and are getting assistance from other brigades to fill the vacant spots,” he said with despair.
“Every day, 24/7, we need a minimum of four members to be able to run the truck.
“We need to provide this service for the community and for them to remain safe when emergencies arise.
“We desperately need more recruits.”
Jerilderie captain John Crittenden described the recruitment shortage as “dire”.
“Our numbers are in decline, as they are in most stations around the district.
“We currently have 10 members, but we can have 16 on the books.
“We are dreadfully in need of more recruits.”
Capt Crittenden attributes some of the decline to COVID-19 vaccination regulations, but also said physical fitness requirements, onerous testing, medicals and a drawn out application process is also having an impact.
But he stressed that it is a rewarding job if you are willing to commit.
“We had a gentleman from the Rural Fire Service apply this week; he is happy to work for both,” he said.
“It is a great team environment, it’s a paid position, and you learn a lot of life skills and a high level of first aid.
“Your uniform and training is all paid for, as is any travel you need to undertake.
“We have really interesting courses like road accident rescues and more.
“We also have a great support network for any issues you might be dealing with.
“I’ve been doing this for 47 years and I love it, but it is nearing the time I need to slow down and more recruits will enable that.”
Finley Captain Brian O’Hara said he too has some firefighters approaching retirement age, but few prospects to replace them in the brigade’s ranks.
“We have three members with more than 140 years of service between them. They are looking to wind it back a bit in the near future.
“We have been having extreme difficulty in recruitment.
“We have had one young lady going through the application process this week, which is encouraging, but we would love to see more youth get on board.”
Tocumwal Captain Ian Desailly said his brigade is four members shy of the desired staffing levels, with 10 firefighters on the books right now.
He said they have been providing assistance to other district brigades as necessary, but that it is not sustainable.
“All the stations are short.
“I have sent members to Mulwala, Corowa and Barham recently to fill vacancies.
“We have had one new recruit (at Tocumwal) in two years.”
Capt Desailly has pleaded with community members to consider joining one of the local brigades.
“Come in and talk to the captains,” he said.
“We can give you information on the role required and the process to follow; we are happy to have a chat.”
FRNSW is one of the key agencies involved in the response phase of most emergency or disaster events throughout NSW.
Its firefighters, spread across 334 stations across NSW, tend to 90 per cent of the state’s emergencies including fire, motor vehicle accidents and other dangerous situations.
They also respond to hazardous material (hazmat) emergencies, building collapses and terrorism consequence management.
More about the role of a firefighter, and the recruitment process, is also available at https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/.