Young trio paving the way for volunteerism in Lorne

Lorne Fire Brigade members Harvey Marriner and Lucas Karlson

 

Three young Lorne emergency services workers have been the catalyst for injecting youth into the local fire brigade over the past year, as five new recruits have followed in their footsteps.

 

Before joining Lorne Fire Brigade in November 2021, the trio already had strong ties to the coastal town through their community service with Life Saving Victoria. However, jumping into CFA has only propelled their passionate careers further.

For 21-year-old nursing and paramedic student Harvey Marriner, who travels between his Melbourne family home, Ballarat for his university studies and Lorne for his work as a regional nurse, it's the community engagement that he enjoys most about CFA.

“Having only moved down to Lorne in the past two years, it’s really given me a way to feel like I fit in with the local community, but also the opportunity to give back,” Harvey said.

“I was nervous heading into a brigade that involved many generations. However when I met Captain Lee Hollmer and 2nd Lieutenant Dee Stewart they made me feel like I belonged from the beginning.  

“On the coast we have such a range of different cases, from cockatoos stuck in trees to serious motor vehicle accidents and large house fires. I enjoy the challenge that each incident offers.”

Harvey is fortunate the hospital allows him to respond to incidents during the day if they need a second crew, while also gaining exposure to scenarios that allow him to develop his skills. 

“Being able to work as part of this small team on the fireground has been really enjoyable, and the personal training that I’ve been able to receive in the brigade has been so beneficial.

“From the General Firefighter course to Low Structure, Breathing Apparatus, and more recently, the Urban Firefighter course – it has all been really challenging and exciting.”

Harvey said the brigade fosters an environment that promotes and encourages leadership development.

“Even at a low-level incident, they allow us to act as the incident controller under the supervision of the officers, and that has certainly piqued my interest in developing myself as a leader within the organisation.”

For 24-year-old Lucas Karlson, once he started lifesaving he knew he was destined to be a firefighter as he fell in love with emergency services. Now, working for Triple Zero Victoria, his volunteerism and thriving skillset has led him to his profession. 

“CFA has really opened my eyes to community safety in a broader sense and has given me a better understanding of how emergency services work together, and how we can not only help the local area but also educate and inform them in everyday life,” Lucas said. 

“Heading out to fires in communities that you’ve never been to is very rewarding. The people there welcome you in and are very appreciative of your help. We do it because we love it, not because we want to be seen.

“I’m really excited to see the future of firefighting and where CFA is headed. There is a lot of new technology being trialled and new trucks being distributed. It’s pretty amazing to understand the different tactics and science behind it all.”

Balancing four days of work in Melbourne with Triple Zero Victoria, with four days down the coast, Lucas encourages those in similar positions to get in touch with their local brigade.

“Don’t be afraid to head down to your local station and introduce yourself to the captain or a lieutenant. They will be so supportive of getting you on board, they’re there for the community and want to see more and more people get involved,” Lucas said.

Fellow volunteer and 22-year-old Registered Paramedic Alisa Johnson said since they joined the brigade, their friends at the surf club have gained a better appreciation for the work CFA does. 

“For me, I wanted a bit of a different lens and perspective on other emergency services and how multi-agency operations run. I was really drawn in while I was studying, as we so frequently work alongside CFA in paramedicine,” Alisa said. 

“The members who have been there for many years are so eager to share their expertise with us and continue to teach us out in the field. They want us among it.”

Over the past six months the trio have also influenced their Lorne Life Saving Victoria President Heath Armstrong to join the brigade and have high hopes more will continue to put their hand up.   

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to ‘Give Us Hand’.

 

Submitted by	CFA Media