On Sunday 22 June, operational staff from Shepparton Fire Station held an information session and practical display for brigades in District 22 as well as some from District 20 & 23.
The Heavy Hazmat was commissioned in November 2013 to replace an aging Hazmat truck. The Heavy Hazmat increases capability for Hazmat responses with additional detection, mitigation and public decontamination equipment.
Shepparton’s Aerial Pumper was officially commissioned at Shepparton in May 2014,however was brought into service early to help combat the Hazelwood coal mine fire. The Aerial Pumper will provide North East Victoria with additional capability in combating large structural firesas well as additional pumping capacity for the District.
Members spent the morning witnessing practical displays of the appliances and discussing vehicles features, capabilities and considerations when asking for the appliances to be responded to their respective Brigade areas.
Staff from the Shepparton Station would like to thank the volunteers for offering their time and enthusiasm. This session served to highlight the continued respect and positive integration between volunteers and career staff in the protection of lives and property.
We would also like to acknowledge the following:
“People helping People” organisation for providing catering, United Dairy Power for the use of their site to conduct the day, and Katie Lewis for the photography.
Author: Mark Vallance