Embrace the frontline and support your community

Could you be the one to join the Brightwater Volunteer Fire Brigade and support the wider community by filling daytime volunteer positions?

The brigade, with a team of 11 members, is seeking individuals interested in filling daytime volunteer positions.

“Lots of the crew are at home during the night so it’s easier for us to respond, what the brigade really needs is an extra four or five people who can respond in the daytime and are within less than 10 minutes of the Brightwater Fire Station. We attend around 80 callouts per year to help others when they are most in need,” volunteer firefighter Paul Shutte says.

Paul’s interest in firefighting was rekindled during the Pigeon Valley fire after he was evacuated and realised the significant impact crews made on protecting other people’s property

“The Pigeon Valley fire was the catalyst, I thought if I am going to do this it’s now or never. I enjoy using my skills to support the community, the team is a great bunch to be with and the training courses and leadership programmes that are available are beneficial both inside and outside of Fire and Emergency.”

Firefighting response has evolved greatly in the last decade, from primarily fires to now include medicals, car accidents and other adverse events.

The brigade leadership acknowledges that not everyone may be comfortable responding all types of calls and they work with their crew to make sure they are not put in situations that they don’t want to be in.

There are many roles and behind-the-scenes support, which are equally vital to the team.

“You also don’t have to be big, strong, and super fit,” Paul adds. “If you are passionate about the cause and can come to training on a Wednesday night then there are lots of opportunities available within our brigade.”

If you’re aged 18+ and interested in finding out more, drop Paul a line at paul.shutte@fire andemergency.nz