A fantastic way to contribute

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata needs more firefighters and more brigade support people.

The brigade is holding an information evening for people who may be interested in joining on 17 May at the fire station, 34 Fitzherbert Road. The information evening starts at 6:30pm.

In addition to discussing the onboarding and recruitment process, there will be a couple of operational crew to share their experiences and there will also be an opportunity to ask some questions.

Joining the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade is a fantastic way to contribute to the community. And it comes with a range of benefits for those who join.

“The thing I have personally got out of firefighting is a sense of contributing to a greater cause, that is your community,” says Qualified Fire Fighter Roger Whioke, who is organising the information evening. In addition, you get to become part of a “second family” at the brigade.

Volunteers become part of a team, and learn teamwork skills.

The learning that comes with it is, in fact, another of the big advantages of joining the brigade.

“You can carry the skills that you get outside the brigade into your day-to-day life,” Roger says.

“If you are someone who enjoys learning you get plenty of that from the brigade,” he says.

The Wainuiomata brigade currently has 30 operational fire fighters and 12 operational support volunteers.

A “good size” operational support crew for the Wainuiomata brigade would be 15 people. That means the brigade is looking for three more volunteers.

Wainuiomata currently has 30 operational fire fighters.

“In terms of the operational firefighting win we could afford to have another six to eight fire fighters,” Roger says.

With its current numbers, the brigade can respond to call outs with its two fire engines during evenings and weekends.

However during work hours there are only enough fire fighters to respond with one truck, Roger says. That means that during the day the Wainuiomata brigade is relying on the Seaview Fire Brigade to provide backup. It also means that the brigade is asking more of its members than it normally would. It takes significantly longer for a fire engine from Seaview to attend a fire in Wainuiomata than it does for the local brigade to reach the scene. A rapid response makes a big difference when fighting fires. Speed can, for example, allow the fire brigade to save a house that would otherwise burn down. It’s not just property that can be saved by a fast response. It can also save lives.

Brigade volunteers get “a lot of support from Fire and Emergency New Zealand,” Roger says. That includes providing mental health support. Fire and Emergency has a scheme similar to an Employee Assistance Programme that provides counselling services, and they also provide health and safety support.

My rule is you have to have bubbly wine and you need something salty so nuts would be ideal.

Can’t go past the old ginger nuts and maybe jaffas.

“Volunteering is rewarding,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand says on its website.

“As a volunteer you will become part of a team, learn new skills, serve your community and have access to special benefits that recognise your commitment.”

The brigade provides a much bigger community service than just fighting fires.

Volunteers also attend medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, severe weather events, dealing with hazardous substances and other requests for help.

They also install and check smoke alarms and help to improve fire safety in the Wainuiomata community. People interested in attending the information evening can email wainuiomatavolunteers@fireandemergency.nz with their name and contact details.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also has information about volunteering on its website, at https:// www.fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/.