FOLLOWING in his father\u2019s volunteer footsteps, Alwyn Parker joined the Smythesdale Fire Brigade at sixteen years old.<\/p>\n
Almost 55 years later, Mr Parker doesn\u2019t just remain an active member, but is the station\u2019s captain for a second time, leading operations.<\/p>\n
In more than five decades, he\u2019s seen 150 members come through the doors, many of those during his first term as captain which lasted 26 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most enjoyment you get out of it is seeing new members coming on board, learning the skills of firefighting, and seeing the achievements they gain over a period of time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou develop a working relationship with your members and encourage them to take responsibility. There are so many personal skills you gain through CFA and leadership, and the training programs available.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, one of our members is part of the wellbeing team and works out of headquarters in Melbourne.\u201d<\/p>\n
Captain Parker said he joined the brigade to contribute to his community, but now almost 70, he\u2019s had a lot of fun along the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe comradeship between members is very high, and there are great friendships you make.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn later years, we started to have running teams which go to the CFA championships, and I\u2019ve really enjoyed that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe brigade\u2019s been very successful regionally and at the state level. Training young people, representing CFA at state championships, and becoming state champions has been a real highlight and thrill for everyone involved in the brigade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Captain Parker said the 45 active members at the Smythesdale station attend about 100 emergencies a year, but their contributions don\u2019t just have a local impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe go away on strike team duties to other parts of the state, and interstate, and we have a rehab unit which can be deployed anywhere between Bacchus Marsh, and the South Australian border,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone out there in the community who is interested to join is welcome to make themselves known at the station.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOLLOWING in his father\u2019s volunteer footsteps, Alwyn Parker joined the Smythesdale Fire Brigade at sixteen years old. Almost 55 years later, Mr Parker doesn\u2019t just remain an active member, but is the station\u2019s captain for a second time, leading operations. In more than five decades, he\u2019s seen 150 members come through the doors, many of […]<\/p>\n