Brent says he enjoys the comradery in the brigade.
“Everyone is here to help each other in good times and in bad.”
Fellow volunteer Carla Tunbridge says being a firefighter is fulfilling.
“I wanted to be a part of something that helps the community. I saw a firetruck whizzing by one day and thought to myself, hey that’s something I can do.”
Carla first started with the Ōkaiawa Volunteer Fire Brigade. She says she spent a few months there before joining the Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade 18 months ago.
“I love it. I’d never regret signing up.”
Carla says being a firefighter opens up opportunities to advance in the ranks and take part in fun challenges.
“For the second year in a row, I came third in the Open Don section at the Sky Tower Challenge. Our team raised $13,903. I like that I can help my local community and people outside of my community.”
She says firefighters train regularly.
“It’s very supportive and the brigade is always there to help.”
Dion says interested people can find out more by visiting the Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade during their Tuesday training night from 6.30pm.
