Minmi builds its firefighting resources
Published: 28th June 2011
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is building Minmi Fire Station's firefighting and emergency response capability and is seeking men and women who want a challenge to be part of it by becoming on-call firefighters.
Superintendent Steve Davis, Zone Commander of Metropolitan North 1, said the station recently acquired a second firefighting vehicle, a tanker, and was also preparing to launch an active campaign to recruit retained, or on-call, fire and rescue officers.
"Minmi Fire Station has several vacancies and I urge local residents from all walks of life to consider becoming a retained firefighter," he said.
"If you enjoy being part of a team, can meet the medical and physical requirements of the job, and want to give something back to your community, contact us on how to become a retained firefighter.
"Retained firefighters can be on call from home or work to respond to fires and other emergencies. They are paid a monthly payment for being on call and receive an hourly rate for attending incidents, training sessions and other activities.
"The role is a varied, interesting and rewarding one. They not only fight fires and respond to a wide range of emergencies, they also educate school children, seniors, business people and the wider community about fire safety."
Superintendent Davis said the tanker, acquired from another regional fire station, would be used in addition to the fire engine already based at Minmi.
"This tanker will improve our fire and rescue officers’ capacity to respond to all types of emergencies in the region," Superintendent Davis said.
"It has a four-wheel drive which allows access to fires in difficult terrain and it also provides a reliable water supply to crews responding to fires or other emergencies in areas where water access may be restricted."
Minmi Fire Station Commander Phillip Rodgers said the station's response area took in Minmi, Stockrington, Lenaghan, Black Hill and Fletcher and it had a national freeway and two regional parks on its doorstep.
"This second firefighting truck will also be called in for use in taskforce operations so the training and qualifications Minmi’s retained fire and rescue officers will receive will be a great stepping stone for people who want build their skills," he said.