A YOUNG electrician with a background in volunteering and a father of two who works in property maintenance are Tamborine Mountain’s newest firefighters.
Thomas Wensor and Darcy McCallum pledged to uphold the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s core values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust at their recent graduation.
WHEN someone asked Thomas Wensor to come volunteer with the Tamborine Mountain Rural Fire Brigade five years ago, he simply said yes.
Now, the local electrician is one of Tamborine Mountain’s newest auxiliary firefighters.
“I was a volunteer when I was 16 so I naturally progressed towards this,” he said.
“Now I’m 21 and I’m an auxiliary firefighter too. I like the camaraderie.”
Fellow auxiliary firefighter graduate Darcy McCallum also joined for a sense of community.
The father of two works in property maintenance and wanted to give back.
“We’re pretty new to the mountain and I’m originally from rural Victoria,” he said.
“I didn’t know anyone, so I thought this was a good opportunity to involve myself.”
Thomas and Darcy were among 12 new auxiliary recruits to graduate recently from Scenic Rim and Lockyer Somerset commands.
Auxiliary firefighters are casual, station-based firefighters who respond to emergency situations when demand arises.
At their graduation at Beaudesert fire station, Thomas and Darcy recited the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) code of ethics and the firefighters’ prayer.
They publicly acknowledged their duty to protect life, property and the environment and render assistance at all fires, accidents, explosions or other emergencies they attend.
They received graduating certificates in front of their family, friends and QFES dignitaries and for the next 12 months will do further face-to-face training.
Their graduation came after training in firefighting skills and drills, breathing apparatus, hazardous material response, road crash rescue and communication equipment operations to keep themselves and fellow crew members safe.
“I congratulate each of you on your achievement to date and thank you for your commitment to the safety and protection of your local communities,” said South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner David Hermann.
Inspector Chris Griffin thanked the families of the new graduates for their sacrifice.
“There will be times when the emergencies come during commitments, dinners, functions and personal time which will be interrupted with one of these firefighters running out the door,” he said.
“Your sacrifice must be acknowledged as well because these small communities rely on it. I wish you luck, stay safe and enjoy the best career in the world.”
