Published on Monday, 3 May 2021 at 12:43:02 PM
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is celebrating International Firefighters’ Day by shining the light on the contribution local volunteers make to protect and keep our community safe.
Celebrated on 4 May 2021, the day provides a chance to honour the sacrifices firefighters make day in, day out in the interest of community safety.
This summer was a particularly challenging one for our local volunteers, as they battled the Oakford bushfire that burnt through more than 300 hectares of land in January, while also assisting with other fires around the Peel and metropolitan regions.
They were also faced with COVID-19 restrictions, which at times meant limiting the amount of crew members that could attend fire events.
To all career and volunteer firefighters, thank you.
As part of recognising our volunteer brigades for International Firefighters Day, we will be profiling local volunteers Martin Spibey, Sarah Davis, Scott Jones and Nicole Stevens (pictured below) each day this week.
Follow our social media channels to read their story.
Anyone interested in joining their local brigade can find out more here: sjshire.wa.gov.au/community/fire-and-emergency-management/emergency-services-volunteering.aspx
#sjshire #thankyou #IFFD2021
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Martin Spibey
A lieutenant with the Mundijong Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Martin Spibey is an integral part of the firefighting effort in SJ.
Martin has devoted the past 10 years to the brigade after originally signing up through some encouragement from a mate.
He says giving back to the community is what keeps coming back year after year.
“To be able to do something productive and give back to the town, it’s pretty special,” Martin said.
“It’s a really good feeling.”
Martin’s role as lieutenant includes assisting in recruitment and training, while also responding to callouts.
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Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis has spent the past decade volunteering for the Jarrahdale Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade after being encouraged to sign up by her husband.
Sarah now leads the brigade as its Captain and is responsible for coordinating training, equipment maintenance and other operational tasks required to keep the brigade ticking.
“I just love the camaraderie the comes with being part of a volunteer brigade,” Sarah said.
“I’ve made some great mates in my time here.”
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Scott Jones
Captain of the Serpentine Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Scott Jones has been aiding the SJ community for five years now.
In total he boasts more than 18 years of experience in the field, having first become involved in firefighting at the age of 17 in Tasmania.
After moving to WA, he took up a post with the Singleton brigade in the City of Rockingham, before eventually deciding to lead the Serpentine crew.
“I first took up firefighting just because I lived in a small town in Tassie and when you’re from there, it’s just what you do,” Scott said.
“I’ve loved it ever since. You get so much out of it and you know you’re doing something really important for the community.”
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Nicole Stevens
Nicole Stevens has spent the past three years volunteering with the Byford Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
Having first signed up through her work with the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, Nicole has since become an active member of the brigade.
“I just like being involved and being a part of this,” Nicole said.
“You make some really good friends and the banter among the brigade is always fun.”
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