Brigade vehicle to boost emergency response capabilities

BUNINYONG-Mount Helen Fire Brigade’s long-awaited new forward command vehicle has arrived at the station, made possible by community support.

The purpose built Ford Ranger utility vehicle will be used for crew and strike team leader transport, and mobile incident coordination and control during emergencies.

It has been funded by the Community Bank Buninyong, Buninyong-Mount Helen Lions Club, grassroots fundraising initiatives, and donations.

The FCV has state-of-the-art safety features and specialised technology and communication systems in-built which will allow for faster set-up ahead of crew briefings on the fire ground.

The highly visible vehicle has bright external lighting, in-built whiteboards and maps, a workbench, storage, a welfare pod with a fridge, and some cover from the weather. Radios can be transferred from within the front of the vehicle to the back.

“Responders can plug in, and they have everything at the back of the FCV that they need to sit down and work,” brigade Captain Gareth Smith said.

“The fridge means we can have decent cold water and good hydration for everybody who is in the heat all day.

“There’s a lighting control where we can switch to having our red and blue lights flashing on the sides if we’re heading on strike team or have a number of people following. That way, you’re not blinding them with the LEDs late at night, which has been an ongoing issue.”

Community Bank Buninyong contributed $30,000 towards the purchase of the vehicle, Buninyong-Mount Helen Lions Club donated $20,000, and a further $78,000 was raised through brigade initiatives like its calendar drive, and donations made to tins at businesses including Buninyong Foodworks and BP.

“The brigade extends its sincere thanks to everyone who helped bring this project to life,” Mr Smith said.

“I would like to thank the Community Bank Buninyong, the Buninyong-Mount Helen Lions Club and our local community for their ongoing and generous support.

“This new vehicle will be invaluable in providing incident command and control support as well as ensuring our members can readily attend remote courses for both skills development and maintenance.

“The FCV will serve our members and the wider community for years to come, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your support.”

Community Bank Buninyong partnerships lead Kelly Bevan said the bank is proud to have an ongoing relationship with the brigade, and to support their vital emergency work across the district.

“This vehicle will significantly enhance their ability to keep our community safe,” she said.

“It’s so inspiring to see the collective spirit of the community to come together for such an important cause.”

Buninyong-Mount Helen Lions Club member John Nunn said the club works with the bank, where possible, to make projects happen and has previously collaborated with them on initiatives at Buninyong Primary School and Scotsburn.

The FCV will support neighbouring CFA brigades including Napoleons, Corindhap, Dereel, Rokewood, Lal Lal, brigades across Ballarat, and Victoria.