Ballarat Fire Brigade held elections recently and elected a female officer for the first time in its 162-year history.
Tarryn preparing for her new role.
Firefighter Tarryn Harris will become the brigade's first female officer. She was elected by her peers as the new Fourth Lieutenant, a position which is responsible for communications, response crewing for major fires, recruitment and to assist other officers when required.
Tarryn has been a brigade member for just over seven and half years. Her family has had a long history with the brigade. Tarryn first started as a Junior member before moving up to the senior brigade at the age of 16, and has become a valuable member.
During her time, she has undertaken several roles including Junior program leader, fire reporting entry and organising fundraising, Tarryn was also awarded Firefighter of the Year.
Tarryn has qualifications in Wildfire Firefighter, Structural Firefighter, Wildfire Crew Leader, and is currently undertaking training in Road Rescue and Breathing Apparatus to gain her qualifications.
The brigade is looking forward to having Tarryn in an operational role, coming in with fresh ideas and adding a new dimension to the brigade.