Wee Waa Fire and Rescue seeks recruits

Wee Waa fire station is looking for more people to join its team.

The brigade has three spots to fill in preparation for the summer ahead. The station already has nine highly trained crew members and is allocated 12 firefighter positions.

Brigade captain Bruce Cowan said there were many incentives for people working as a fire and rescue operator.

“We all get along really well and the bonds and mateship are there,” Mr Cowan said.

These are paid positions.

The team enjoys mateship in the fire and rescue role.

“We always sit back and have a debrief on what happened in any situation, what we did right and what we can do better.”

Captain Cowan has been with the service for 30 years and captain for 21. His knowledge, enthusiasm and overall care for his crew members is evident as he highlights how much the role has changed over the years.

“I joined to fight fires and in 30 years we’ve gone from that to full control of hazard materials, storm and tempest and assisting the SES and RFS so it’s a very diverse role now,” Mr Cowan said.

“It was only by chance I joined the service as I wasn’t interested at the time.

“I did one drill, then the second, the third, the fourth and after that I was hooked.

“We’re looking for keen and enthusiastic people, male or female, of any age.”

After unprecedented fire conditions last summer, the crew is well prepared for the current season.

Captain Cowan said there were different areas in which to work at the station.

“We’ve had crew members go into full time work as operators in Sydney so that’s where it can lead you and Wee Waa is the perfect stepping stone to get into a full-time role as well.”

“You can take what you learn back to your own line of work in terms of decision making and processing.”