Exchange program improves interagency unity

Firefighters from both agencies marked the start of their 12-month secondment this week (12 December) completing their final day of training at CFA HQ.

The secondment program has been running for the past six years and provides the opportunity for CFA and MFB firefighters to experience the environments and scenarios their fellow agency faces on a daily basis.

The 20 firefighters in this year’s program spent the past three weeks undertaking a familiarisation course at VEMTC Craigieburn where they covered legislation, duty of care and different equipment and techniques.

CFA Operations Manager Greg Christison said one of the great benefits of the program was its ability to expose both CFA and MFB members to the different operating environments.

“Our secondment program is a great opportunity for everyone involved to get a true understanding of different equipment and techniques as well as the type of environments and fires each agency is faced with on a daily basis,” Greg said.

“CFA people transitioning to the MFB are exposed to the risks predominantly in the CBD of Melbourne and surrounding suburbs including high-rise structures and tunnels.

“MFB members transitioning to CFA are exposed to our regional locations and gain experience operating within these risk environments including at this time of year when we have greater exposure to bushfires.  

“Participants return to their home agency with a new-found knowledge they can share with their fellow firefighters and this makes a huge difference when we work together at emergencies.” 

Participants in the program can also choose to stay with their seconded agency at the end of the program.

A firefighter with MFB for 28 years, SSO Darren Power transferred permanently to Warrnambool CFA after completing his secondment. He has been in his new role for nine months and assists with the coordination of the secondment training program.

“Some move permanently for personal reasons such as location and lifestyle advantages and for others who may have been in their roles for many years, it gives them a fresh perspective on their careers,” Darren said.

“After being based in Melbourne for so long, I’ve really enjoyed the change in lifestyle and culture as well as the motivation of continually learning.”

The firefighters seconded to CFA will take up roles with Warrnambool, Traralgon, Ballarat City, Bendigo, South Morang and Shepparton brigades.