Frankston volunteer Nick Raca
Frankston Fire Brigade member Nick Raca has made the most of his seven years of volunteering with CFA.
As CFA celebrates National Volunteer Week this week (16-22 May), members like Nick are the reason CFA has thousands of incredible volunteers who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Nick joined CFA in 2014 at Tyabb Fire Brigade not long after he moved into the area.
“I didn’t know anyone from Tyabb so joining CFA was a great way to get to know my community,” Nick said.
Nick has certainly proven his commitment to CFA in his seven years. He has developed his skillset through a range of courses CFA provides such as minimum skills, Breathing Apparatus and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) accreditation, a truck driving licence and he’s about to complete a structural firefighting (urban) course.
“I wanted to learn as much as possible so I could really throw myself in and make myself available and ready,” Nick said.
“CFA is all about the community so I wanted to get involved so I could give back to my community.”
Nick transferred to Frankston Fire Brigade in 2019 when he moved to the area. He said he was impressed with how resilient the brigade was during COVID-19.
“It was tough but everyone looked out for each other and we just did what we had to do to get through it.”
Nick also had his first deployment on a strike team to the large Grantville-Bunyip fires in the 2018/19 fire season.
While Nick has already achieved so much in his seven years, he still has future aspirations to take on leadership roles.
“In the long run I’d love to take on a training officer or lieutenant role. I really want to put myself out there and hopefully work towards a leadership role.”
The theme for National Volunteer Week this year is ‘better together’, which holds true to CFA and its 54,000 members who work side-by-side to save lives and property every day.
Nick said there’s no better time to join CFA.
“If you’re committed, ready and willing to support the community – then please join CFA,” he said.
“We always need volunteers so if you think you can make an impact then join up today.”
Find out more about volunteering with CFA at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/volunteers
Volunteer Nick Raca-
Nick Raca with CFA members completing their structural firefighting (urban) course
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