Jye loves being a firefighter

THE CFA has celebrated the invaluable contributions made by its young members across Victoria as part of International Youth Day 2020.
As June 30 this year, CFA had more than 1,500 junior members at 162 junior brigades across the state. The organisation has more than 4,000 members aged between 11 and 24. One of them is 19-year-old Barwon Heads firefighter Jye Quinney, who said he was always attracted to a role in the emergency services and signed up three years ago.
“I can’t give you an exact reason why I joined, but I just love it. It’s one of the best things I’ve done in my life, and I’ll be doing it until I die.”
Jye’s talent as a firefighter emerged quickly – he received the Barwon Heads brigade’s Encouragement Award in 2018 and was their Firefighter of the Year in 2019.
“I’ve done multiple courses, been to a variety of jobs and went to NSW last year,” he said.
This year’s theme for the United Nations’ International Youth Day, marked on August 12, was “Youth Engagement for Global Action”, which highlighted the ways engaging young people can enrich institutions.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer and executive director of volunteers and capability Peter O’Keefe said International Youth Day was a great opportunity to recognise dedicated young CFA members across Victoria.
“It’s important to acknowledge our young members and recognise the hard work they put in to give back to their communities.
“From operational firefighters and support members to Junior Leaders and Junior Brigade members, CFA has a strong field of young people across the state.”
CFA’s Junior Volunteer Development Program gives children between 11 and 15 years old the opportunity to participate in practical firefighting drills, fire brigade competitions and championships and develop fire safety awareness in a team environment.
“CFA has a great Junior program in place which introduces local kids to a range of practical firefighting activities and important fire safety skills,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“The program provides Junior members with lifelong skills, including teamwork, leadership and community service.
“Beyond that, it gives young people an introduction to firefighting in a safe environment and instils them with values such as community-mindedness, respect, inclusivity and mateship.”