A MINING engineer with a passion for helping the community is Canungra’s newest firefighter.
Grant McVey pledged to uphold the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFES) core values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust at his recent graduation.
Grant was among 12 new auxiliary recruits to graduate from Scenic Rim and Lockyer Somerset commands. Auxiliary firefighters are casual, station-based firefighters who respond to emergency situations when demand arises.
Grant said it felt like a natural progression.
“It was a good way to use the skills I’ve learned through being a rural firefighter as well as through Queensland Mines Rescue Service to help the community,” he said.
“I was at Tamborine a few years ago, when I finished school, I did five years with the rurals and then moved away, then when I came back auxiliaries seemed like a natural next step.
“I just always liked helping out and I’ve hated when the community is having big incidents or fires being helpless and not being able to do anything.”
Canungra Fire Captain Stuart Spalding welcomed Grant to the fold.
“That brings Canungra’s establishment to 12, which is our full establishment,” he said.
“Bringing on another recruit just enables us to broaden our horizons and helps us be able to serve the community as auxiliary firefighters.”
Grant received his graduating certificate in front of family, friends and QFES dignitaries and for the next 12 months will do further face-to-face training.
His 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.”
