District 9 HQ, Drouin West, Nilma North, Warragul, Westbury and Yarragon fire brigades recently elected new captains.
The new captains were inducted on 1 July.
The new captains, who will serve for two years, are: Les Medley - D9 HQ, Brendan Witt - Drouin West, Jamie Magyar - Nilma North, Brad Hogan - Warragul, David Gridley - Westbury, and Ashley Smith - Yarragon.
Captain Smith has been with CFA since 2003, joining the brigade the day after he moved to Yarragon as a way to meet people.
He has served as Brigade Training Officer, Communications Officer, Secretary/Treasurer and 2nd Lieutenant.
Captain Smith said it was an honour to be elected to lead the brigade to 2020. He takes over from Ken Kemp who will now be able to dedicate more time to the 16 brigades in Baw Baw Group as a Deputy Group Officer.
“It’s an honour to lead the brigade. Ken has built up a well-structured Brigade Management Team and remains a valuable member of our brigade along with his additional role as Deputy Group Officer.
“The focus for the Brigade Management Team over the next two years will be our community engagement. We will be out in force talking with the community about fire prevention and also linking in with recruitment.
“There’s a misconception out there about what CFA is and what it does - that it’s all about getting on a truck. At Yarragon we have a strong program of linking interests and skills to the various jobs that make sure the whole operation runs smoothly.”
There are other major projects to keep the incoming captain and his Brigade Management Team busy - ensuring members are trained up for the start of the fire season, and the big project for the brigade and community, progressing plans for a new fire station.