Meet Meredith’s new CFA captain

ONE of the region’s fire brigades has seen a change in leadership, with a new captain recently elected.

Formerly a 2nd Lieutenant, Josh Medley took over the top spot at Meredith Fire Brigade in July, and said he thinks he’s settling well into the role.

“It was daunting to start off but I think I’m fitting in quite nicely now,” said the now Captain Medley.

“There haven’t really been any challenges to the job but it’s been more about working out what needs to be done and what the proper procedures are and how to do them.”

Captain Medley has been with the Meredith brigade for more than five years and took over from Chris Jones, who led the brigade for a decade prior.

“Chris definitely taught me about the demand that comes from the CFA and to keep up with all the training, plus all the paperwork that goes on in the background,” he said.

Growing up in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Captain Medley was inspired to become a volunteer firefighter when he witnessed the impact of the 1997 bushfires that swept through the Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula.

Putting on the turn out gear from age 18, he started out at the Bayswater Fire Brigade before serving at stations at Selby and Belgrave.

After almost 20 years as a firefighter, Captain Medley said his passion for the job hasn’t waned.

“It’s the ability to be there when someone needs you,” he said. “You see people at their worst and you’re able to make it that little bit better.

“With fire season coming up, we’ve got our standard training coming up so everyone can maintain their minimum skills, and we’re wanting to help get everyone in the community ready because you never know what might happen.”