What binds CFA members is the common goal to protect lives and property. But they are a diverse bunch – every member has a story and Faces of CFA introduces you to just some of those stories.
LESLEY FORMAN, SOUTH WANGARATTA FIRE BRIGADE
What is your CFA role?
I’m involved in CFA in a few ways. Until June I was our brigade captain, a position I held for eight years. Now I’m Wangaratta group’s first female DGO. I’m also involved in our District 22 and 23 Women’s Network Group, the Captain’s Peer Mentor program and district planning committee, and am a volunteer PAD Instructor. Over summer I’m busy as an aircraft officer and regional aviation resource coordinator.
Why did you join?
My grandfather and father were heavily involved, so I grew up in CFA. Naturally I wanted to be a part of it to actively contribute to my local community. In the early 1980s women were mainly considered for auxiliary roles (something our brigade never had) or secretary, but I was determined to become a firefighter. After relentless badgering and assurance that I could cope with any negative attitudes that were likely to come my way, our brigade secretary eventually agreed (thanks dad). Along with the captain’s daughters, South Wangaratta became one of the few early brigades to welcome women firefighters.
What incident has had the greatest impact on you?
Every incident has some impact. Arriving in Sydney during the 2001-02 fires, seeing a mass of weary firefighters sleeping on the dining room floor of the accommodation and admiring their determination to get up and do it all again the next day is something I carry with me – to always be mindful of the wellbeing of those around me.
As a very new lieutenant, I was terrified at a small local job when our captain approached me to say he was leaving and I was now in charge. This experience led me to look for opportunities at callouts to step back and mentor up-and-coming brigade leaders.
The greatest impact on me was a car accident. I still hear panic in the voice of the driver walking helplessly around the scene. But to then crawl into the vehicle to help extract the passenger, discover they were one of my students, carry their lifeless body to the ambulance and then attend their funeral is something I still relive. I’m very conscious of protecting crew members and the public whenever we are called to these types of incidents. I also use it in conversations with students in my work as a teacher, as they start out as drivers. I remind them that actions have consequences and impacts on family, friends, and first responders.
Who have been your mentors in CFA?
Wherever I go there are mentors and if I name names, I’m sure to miss someone. However, I must thank past brigade captains Brian French, Graham Colson and Garry Nash for all having more confidence in me than I have in myself. From each I have learned so much, beyond firefighting techniques to being a brigade representative. And I can’t forget my father, Gordon Kerris, from whom I am still learning.
What have been the highlights of your time in CFA?
To contribute to my brigade, my neighbourhood and the wider community is the highlight. But one of the best is the annual Good Friday Appeal. Some driveways are incredibly long and there may not always be someone at the end of it, but the generosity of brigade members and the support from the community makes me proud to be involved.
How do you motivate your brigade members?
Motivate? People who volunteer are already motivated. I’d like to think I’ve encouraged, supported and mentored others, and that by respecting and recognising the positives in people, they in turn will pay it forward.
What lessons are you most keen to pass onto other members?
Every person can contribute something to their brigade and CFA, respect each other, train and learn as much as you can and make time to listen to and learn from others.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time gets less and less but I do play a bit of hockey when I’m not working, volunteering or tripping interstate to see my children.
| Submitted by |
News and Media |