An apprentice auto electrician and a public information officer, an ex-army Corporal, a high school teacher and a local entertainer are Beaudesert and Kooralbyn’s newest firefighters.
Beaudesert’s Bailey Muller, David Martin, Beau Watson and Ben Whibley and Kooralbyn’s David Barry pledged to uphold the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFES) core values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust at their recent graduation.
They were 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.
Third year apprentice auto electrician Bailey, 20, has been with the PCYC Emergency Services Cadets since he was 12.
“The fire service is something I’ve always been interested in so when the opportunity finally arose, I jumped at it,” he said.
David Martin is a public information officer with QFES.
“I’ve always believed in service to the community and to give something back,” he said.
Beau is in workplace health and safety and served in the Australian Army for 10 years.
“I feel like I lost that sense of giving back to the community, and this reminds me a lot of that brotherhood like defence was,” he said.
High school teacher Ben said it felt like a good way to give back.
“I’ve always wanted to serve the community, I’ve had 14 or so years of surf lifesaving and my father-in-law is a retired firefighter,” he said.
David Barry, an entertainer with a health clinic in Kooralbyn, wanted to help keep the community safe.
“I’m the oldest recruit, I’m turning 60, so it just proves anything is possible if you put your mind to it and age is just a number,” he said.
South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner David Hermann praised the graduates.
“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,” he said.
Inspector Chris Griffin also thanked their families.
“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,” he said.
