Five to the fore

By Tania Martin
FIVE rookie firefighters will take to the front line for Montrose this summer.
Montrose CFA last week welcomed new additions, Gail Brown, Will Cassidy, Ryan Smith, Mel Edwards and Cat Parkinson.
The group graduated after undergoing six months of intensive training.
They took their first tentative steps towards becoming a ‘firey’ in February after responding to a recruitment drive.
After six months of intensive training, the group is now prepared to take to the front-line, just in time for the upcoming fire season.
They are now trained in radio communications, fire-fighting, personal fire protection and map reading.
Rookie, Ryan Smith said his family was really proud of him taking the plunge to become a fire-man.
Mr Smith said his kids were really excited when “daddy goes off to fight a fire.’
Montrose CFA support officer Lynne Ward said the brigade had a strong response to its recruitment drive earlier this year.
She said the brigade was now well placed for the upcoming season but new recruits were always welcome.
The rookies can now respond to brigade call-outs in the Montrose area including house and bush fires, and emergencies such as car accidents.
But Ms Ward said it wasn’t all just about fighting fires.
She said volunteers were also needed to help educate the local community and children.
Ms Ward said the brigade now has 48 members and is still looking for new recruits for daytime shifts.
She said the brigade was not only looking for fire fighters but also people to help out with community education and administration.
The brigade is now getting ready to undergo another rookie training course, so anyone interested in joining the brigade could take the plunge.
The course takes three months to complete and is done with other brigades across the Knox district.
Those interested in joining should contact Lynne on 0419 378 572.