Ben Meiers joined CFA to gain new skills and experiences.
What he didn’t expect was to gain a best mate.
Now a Third Lieutenant at the Springvale Fire Brigade, Ben says his friendship with Firefighter David Nguyen started from day one.
“He took me on a tour around the fire station and showed me the ins and outs of the truck and we started to get an idea of what CFA’s like,” says Ben
“Over the years he’s taken me under his wing and helped me grow a lot of confidence and see a better side of myself.”
Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers across Victoria are acknowledging the close bonds they’ve formed as brigade members to celebrate International Day of Friendship on Thursday, 30 July 2020.
“It’s really good to reflect on your friendships. You wouldn’t be where you are today without meeting those people.”
For Ben, his friendship with David has developed beyond the walls of brigade meetings and turn-outs.
“We catch up a lot outside CFA and go four-wheel driving, or have coffees.
“You find that the friendships you make in CFA are a lot stronger and hold together much better.”
Since joining the brigade five years ago, Ben says the life skills and new experiences that drew him to CFA initially have also helped develop close connections with his fellow firefighters.
“Everyone joins for their own reasons, but in the end it comes down to protecting and serving the community which everyone does together.”
“I couldn’t recommend it enough. You’ll meet people that you stay in contact with for the rest of your life.
“The friendships that you make, you’ll hang on to those and will take them with you wherever you go from here on.”