Ian Strydom, Gavin Raccanello and Dale Gillespie invite you to find out more about the Yenda squad. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The Fire and Rescue NSW Station 512 Yenda is undertaking a recruitment drive to get more on-call paid part-time firefighters to their team.
Captain Gavin Raccanello invites all those who might be interested to attend an information session at 7 pm on Tuesday (26 August) at the station at 6 South Avenue, Yenda.
“We have four position vacancies. We’d like a broad range of people from Yenda and surrounds to apply, including men, women, stay-at-home parents, retirees, anyone,” Mr Raccanello said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have one woman in our squad previously and we would really encourage women to apply.
“You can apply through our website; put through your application, follow the links and answer some targeted questions. It’s an easy process.”
The firefighting veteran says it’s a great time to throw your hat in the ring, as Yenda and Griffith recently received new equipment and training in enhanced fireground decontamination processes.
“It really improves firefighter safety and it minimises exposure to toxins from fires, it’s a great advancement,” Leeton-based duty commander Dale Gillespie said.
Mr Gillespe said signing up to the squad is a great opportunity for people to gain some extra income and learn new skills.
“We find staff pick up skills through fire and rescue that they can benefit from in their primary employment,” he said.
“The recruitment drive will continue until 31 August.”
Mr Raccanello said joining the team was one of the best decisions he ever made.
“I’ve been a firefighter for 31 years. I still love it. Everything is so much better than when I started; the equipment is first-rate. We provide everything that’s needed. There is no cost for applicants. You get paid for your time at the station, whether attending an incident or training,” he said.
“If you’ve lodged your application or you’re sitting on the fence about whether or not to join, we’d really encourage you to come to our information night on Tuesday night, where you can ask questions and find out about what the job is all about. The only prerequisites are that you’re over 18, an Australian citizen and live close to Yenda.”
Contrary to popular belief, firefighters don’t just fight fires.
“Our role is diverse. We also go out to motor vehicle accidents for rescues and also attend community events,” Mr Raccanello said.
The squad captain says they have a good team at the moment, with firies from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities.
Ian Strydom is from South Africa and found joining the team was a great way to integrate into the community
“You’re making a difference in people’s lives, that makes it all worthwhile,” he said.
An information session will be held at the Yenda Fire and Rescue station on 5 South Avenue, Yenda at 7 pm on Tuesday 26 August. All are welcome.
