Brigade's junior action heating up to help community

WHILE Napoleons Enfield Fire Brigade fought fires last month, passing their knowledge on to their youngest members during training was an opportunity for fun and to engage the community.

Their state titles defence began last month like any other campaign, with an emphasis on joy and effective learning.

As though they were on any football field or athletics track, children and teenagers on Tuesday 10 February sprinted to hoses and nozzles.

When ready, they lined their hoses up to hit weathered targets and drew cheers from the watching crowd.

Nick Fammartino, a lieutenant for the brigade and Buninyong’s deputy group officer, said it was a chance for children and teenagers to learn important values.

Some of the juniors taking part in target practice.

“I think it’s great for the kids,” he said. “It’s something to teach them about community, about volunteering, at the same time as learning new life skills.

“They get to meet new kids, they get to learn how to work together as a team, and you can see it on their faces they have a ball.

“We’ve had some kids that are a little shy and stuff, but by the time they’re finished with it they feel part of a team.”

He said that the training was important for the community as well as brigade members.

The brigade had fought fires last month in Mount Mercer, Skipton and the Otways.

He said the training brought people together.

“This time of year’s a busy part of the year, so you’ve got Christmas, you’ve got all the work break ups,” Mr Fammartino said.

Some of the juniors taking part in target practice. Nick Fammartino with many of the championship trophies Napoleons Enfield Fire Brigade has won throughout the years.

“And at the same time we do a lot more training throughout the fire season, so you know you’re away from your family a fair bit over the Christmas period in this fire season period, so it’s good to do something with the kids.”

His sons Xavier and Dominic are members of the brigade that will be defending the junior and senior CFA/VFB Victoria State Championship titles they won last year.

They both were excited for next month’s district and state titles in Lexton and Stawell.

“I like the sport and I just like helping people out. When I grow up I’d love to help more people out,” Xavier said.

Dominic added: “I like doing it because I think I am going to volunteer when I’m older and actually help in fires, like my dad.”