Timothy Sweeny is one of the new recruits to have joined Temora Fire and Rescue NSW recently. Photo: Supplied.
One of Temora Fire and Rescue NSW’s newest recruits, Timothy Sweeny, says he has always been interested in the organisation.
He joined Fire and Rescue to develop new skills and give back to his community.
The 33-year-old grew up in the small village of Quandialla, 70 kilometres north of Temora, studied agriculture and science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga and worked as an agronomist in Temora.
He now works as a farmer when he isn’t out with the crew on various jobs.
The new recruit has already attended several motor vehicle accidents since his employment.
He said the work had been “excellent” so far, and enjoyed getting to know his teammates.
“It’s been pretty busy, which has been good,” Timothy said.
“I’ve been getting involved in things and really enjoying everything and the team environment.”
Timothy’s message to those considering joining Fire and Rescue was simple.
“The training is second to none, and there are a lot of things you wouldn’t have the opportunity to do in your regular day job,” he said.
“There’s a lot of challenging aspects and plenty to learn.”
Timothy is one of nine firefighters to have joined the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW at Coolamon, Cootamundra, Cowra, Grenfell, Junee, Narrandera and Temora Fire Stations after completing weeks of intensive training at the Emergency Services Academy in Sydney.
There are 227 new recruits in the state, 60 of whom will be permanent firefighters and 167 will be on-call or part-time firefighters.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new recruits to the region were a welcome boost to the capability and capacity of emergency services in the Riverina.
“I want to congratulate and thank each new recruit for putting service above self and making the decision to join Fire and Rescue NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether it’s responding to fires, chemical emergencies, car crashes or natural disasters, Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters are prepared for any situation.
“Every day they answer the call to help, putting themselves on the frontline of danger to protect and save others. I’m very proud to see these new recruits joining that proud tradition.”
Ms Cooke said Fire and Rescue NSW is widely known as one of the most professional and well-respected emergency services organisations in the world.
“I am confident these 227 new recruits will serve their local community with distinction,” she said.
Each of the new firefighters has spent up to 14 weeks learning their trade, studying various techniques to deal with different emergencies, how to apply first aid, search and rescue skills, heavy vehicle driving and HAZMAT response know-how.
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