Toogoom Rural Fire Brigade

Being a part of the Rural Fire Service is both a challenging and demanding role. As a volunteer you can either become an active fire fighter or take on a support role. Also, anyone from any background or ability can join, subject to a favourable police check. Below is a list of considerations you need to read before deciding to "take the leap' into rural fire fighting!

NEW! - We now have a "Positions Vacant" Page for all volunteer positions vacant within the brigade! Don't forget to check it out!

• You must be at least 16 years of age
• You must consent to a police history check (see below)

When you become a volunteer member with Toogoom Rural Fire Brigade it is expected that you give the best of your ability.

We understand that day to day commitments such as Family and work need to be accomodated and we work around this at all times but if you are available we do expect a certain level of commitment. These expectations are not over the top but help us help you become the best member you can and also help provide the community with a level of professionalism they deserve.

Volunteers in an Active role need to understand that there is a large amount of training involved, particularly in the first 12 months. All training venues and dates are arranged so as to impact as little as possible on other commitments although we do expect the following:

• That you attend regular brigade training as much as possible
• That you attend prescribed / control burns as much as possible or as required
• That you attend courses that you have been booked to attend
• That you make yourself available as much as possible to callouts
• That you understand the nature of the job. Sometimes it can be hot, long hours, at unpredictable hours.

Volunteers in a support role also have an extremely important role to play in the daily functioning of Toogoom Rural Fire Brigade. Although not as intense there are some things you need to consider:

• The unpredictable nature of the Job. We can get calls at any time of the day or night.
• That you may be asked to assist in a logistical or communications role during an extended campaign, sometimes involving travel to a fire ground.
• You will need to undertake an QFRS Rural Operations Induction course (about 2 hours)

ALL Members need to also assist with the following, according to their roles, skills, and abilities, etc:

• We assist local community events on a regular basis (Fishing Competition, Memorials, Santa Run, etc)
• "Street Meets" where we go out in a Public Relations context to assist the community with any Fire related concerns.
• Station Maintenance, ie cleaning, repairs, garden care, truck washing, etc
• Host QFRS Training events, ie assist with the catering, etc for up to 25 students and trainers from other brigades on various courses.

Below is the process and timeframe of joining up as a Volunteer with Toogoom Rural Fire Brigade.

• Inital contact with the brigade / First Interview with 1st Officer
• Complete paperwork, Pre membership form and consent to police check
• Applicant receives letter from Head Office in Kedron, Brisbane regarding outcome of checks
• Membership finalised at next brigade meeting
• Kit issued
• Designated the Rank of "Trainee Fire Fighter"

The whole process takes about 2-4 weeks (depending on the turnaround of the police check)

After your membership has been finalised you will be refered to the training officer to arrange times to get you familiar with the appliances and equipment (Active members). Also you will need to undergo an induction course (All Members) which takes about 2 hours. This is to ensure that you have the basic familiarity with your roles and responsibilities.

For Support members you will be refered to the relevant support member for guidance through any activities required.

Active members will be required to complete thier basic training which is FMS or "Firefighter Minimum Skills". This has three components:

• 2-day Theory Course (Usually run on a weekend)
• In house training (Usually run on the 3rd Wednesday & 1st Sunday of Each Month, plus other training dates as required)
• 1-day Practical Assessment

After your successful completion of the FM1 Assessment you will be issued with your epauletes and assigned the rank of "Rural Fire Fighter"

Some people wish to stay at the rank of fire fighter, others want to progress through the ranks, and then some want to specialise in certain skills. Through your first year the 1st and training officers will assess your performance and abilities as well as discuss your goals within the service. The Ranks have changed within the Fire Service recently and below are the ranks you can aspire to....

• Fire Fighter
• Senior Fire Fighter
• Crew Leader
• Officer
• 1st Officer

From here you can even go on to ranks of Deputy Group Officer and Group Officer, or specialise in areas such as Chainsaw Operator, First Aid, Incident Control, or Communications.

Some even go on to paid Full Time Positions within the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service such as a BTSO (Brigade Training & Support Officer), and service in a Rural Fire Brigade counts towards applying for a position as an Urban Fire Fighter!....So whats stopping you?

You never know where volunteer service in a Rural Fire Brigade can lead you! Enquire Now if you think you have what it takes.