COMMISH’S CORNER

Friday 20 May, 2005 Number 348 NSWFB The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627
CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Counter terrorism announcement
Today I joined the Premier, Bob Carr, Minister Tony Kelly and Acting Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins of the NSW Police to witness a demonstration of our CBR capability at St James railway station.

The scenario involved a demonstration of the equipment that fire stations will be receiving during the next financial year. The Premier advised the media of the NSWFB’s ability to protect NSW residents from technological or natural disasters anywhere in the State.

My thanks to all the officers involved in organising the demonstration which presented our capabilities so outstandingly, particularly FF Anthony Wallgate, the BA/Hazmat training section, the whole Hazmat unit in general, and Class 2005/2 from the College.

Country Inspectors Conference
On Wednesday, I was part of a lively conference with Country Inspectors looking at issues they face and how we can better support them. Assistant Commissioners and Directors also attended to hear first-hand the issues raised, and to provide information and direction.

During the conference I spoke about our political climate, preparing a good case for resources where needed, and ensuring fire stations receive support from specialist units. Maintaining a work/life balance, minimising the risk of burn-out and improving professional standards were among the issues I also raised on the day.

The Inspectors discussed the unique challenges they face and the differences between the roles of city and country Inspectors. A range of suggestions were made which will be progressed by working parties.

Stockton Fire Station renovations opening
I had the pleasure of joining firefighters at 446 Stockton for the opening of their renovated fire station by Member for Newcastle, Bryce Gaudry, yesterday. The renovations, valued at $299,000, include the construction of an additional engine bay with a vehicle wash facility as well as an upgrade of the accommodation area to include a lecture and training room, shower and wash facility, new kitchen and change room. The station is a lot different to my last visit in 1993 when I was relieving District Officer at Newcastle.

Also at the ceremony were Regional Commander North, Assistant Commissioner Bob Dobson, Deputy Regional Commander North, Chief Superintendent Roger Bucholtz, Acting Chief Superintendent Keith King and Acting Assistant Director Properties, Alan Meek. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project.


OPERATIONAL UPDATE
CFU training day

There will be a special training day for CFU volunteers from western Sydney and the Blue Mountains this Sunday. More than 275 volunteers from 35 CFUs will gather at Sun Valley Pony Club, Sun Valley to hone their skills in readiness for the 2005/06 bushfire season.

Days like these are vital in further enhancing the practical knowledge and skills of our CFU volunteers. They will learn how to protect their homes from bushfires, about hazard reduction processes and about bushfire management principles.

This vital training will contribute to ensuring CFU volunteers in the Blue Mountains and western Sydney are prepared to protect their homes next bush fire season. Good luck to all involved.

Rescue’s 10th USAR training course
The NSWFB Rescue Section completed the tenth Category 2 USAR training course this week involving a multi-agency team from NSWFB Rescue and Hazmat, Ambulance Service SCAT Paramedics, NSW Police Forensics, Department of Commerce engineers, and the SES.

The culmination of the course was a 48-hour practical exercise at Holsworthy Army Base. The exercise involved a simulation of a mid-air explosion of a light aircraft which crashed into a three-storey apartment block. Manager of the Rescue Section, Supt John Denny, reports that all emergency services worked well together throughout the exercise.

As a result of this training course, NSW now has the most Category 2 trained personnel, exercise task force specialists and emergency services response teams, in the country. Congratulations go to all the Rescue Instructors, Superintendent John Denny and Deputy Manager Rescue, Inspector Warwick Kidd for their professionalism and expertise in maintaining the NSWFB’s international reputation as a leader in USAR.

NEWS IN BRIEF
Permanent Firefighter wins Championships event

Last weekend Glen Innes took out one of the most successful Zone Championships held at Tamworth. Big crowds and substantial media coverage were just two of the highlights of the weekend. Another highlight was SF Troy Kempnich from 464 Toronto winning the hose and hydrant one competitor event. Troy was competing as part of the 383 Morisset team and may be the first permanent firefighter to win an individual event at a Championship.

It was great to see a permanent firefighter competing and I encourage more permanent firefighters to get involved. It was also amusing to witness the Inspectors’ team compete. Unfortunately, on two occasions, they were unable to get water to me quickly enough – it’s back to basics for them, and I’ll run with a different team next time! Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear has lost none of his skills and also competed in two events.

Well done to the Championships Committee and Superintendent Steve Pearce for organising such a successful event. Retained FF Robert Eckerslie and Lorraine Eckersley from West Tamworth deserve special mention, as without them the Championship would not have been so successful.


Reserve Forces Support Council Award
The NSWFB was one of 16 employers recognised by the Defence Reserves Support Council at a presentation on Wednesday 18 May. The awards are presented to acknowledge employers who support their Reserve employees with leave arrangements and other special considerations necessary for them to fulfil their Defence obligations.

I’m honoured that the NSWFB was recognised in such a way and will continue to support our Reserve employees as they do their part to guarantee our way of life.

Firefighters second most trusted profession
Firefighters have been again voted the second-most trusted profession in the annual Readers Digest trust survey. We were pipped at the post by ambulance officers for the second year running, but continue to maintain strong respect in the community.

While we do not seek such recognition, being voted second most trusted profession is a pat on the back for the hard work every one of us does to protect the community and the environment. Congratulations to our Ambo colleagues on the well deserved recognition.

UPCOMING EVENTS
2005 NSWFB Ball - Sold Out

Due to overwhelming demand, bookings have closed for the 2005 NSWFB Ball. All 400 tickets have been sold and a waiting list for those still wanting tickets has been created.

If you have reserved tickets, you must confirm your reservation by paying a $50 per ticket non-refundable deposit by 3 June 2005. The balance will be due on 30 June 2005. Monies can be paid direct to the Fire Brigades Credit Union, account number 62894 (BSB number 802825).

It looks like being one of the biggest nights on the NSWFB social calendar and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Reserve Forces Day Coo-ee March
Some time ago I mentioned the Coo-ee March re-creation as part of the Reserve Forces Day march in Sydney, Sunday 3 July.

There is still room for some extra recruits in the NSWFB platoon. You don’t need to have any previous military knowledge; you just need to be aged between 18 and 45 and available for training in Sydney on Saturday 2 July. The march will be held the following day, Sunday 3 July.

All participants will be issued with a commemorative 1915-style ID card, and will get to wear period clothing. Friends and family are also welcome to be part of the NSWFB platoon. To be a part of this historic event, please contact Assistant Commissioner Bob Dobson on 9901 2499 or bob.dobson@fire.nsw.gov.au.

For more information on Reserve Forces Day, visit the website www.rfd.org.au.

COMMISH’S CORNER
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Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
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