COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
SOPP Graduation
On Thursday I attended the graduation of 20 officers from the Station
Officer Promotional Program (SOPP) at the State Training College,
Alexandria.
They received training in human resource management and specialist
skills involved in leading firefighters during emergency operations
including rescues, chemical spills, bush and structure fires and dealing
with the aftermath of terrorist attacks.
The SOPP is extremely demanding, but they have met every challenge
their instructors gave them. I congratulate them on their achievement
and thank their families for their support.
Making a difference
As the busiest and largest urban fire service in Australia, it is
sometimes difficult to slow down for a moment and reflect on what
we mean to the community.
Last Saturday night at Chief Superintendent Bob Lewthwaite’s
retirement function in Newcastle, a lady attending a wedding reception
at the same venue made a point of coming to see me. To cut a long
story short, several years ago she was trapped and unconscious in
her burning home when rescued by firefighters from 251 Cardiff. Firefighters
also rescued her husband, but he could not be revived. The lady also
unfortunately lost her baby. She told me that she had wanted to thank
the firefighters “for years”, but could not bring herself
to do so. When she walked in, she recognised her rescuer, SO Mark
Rose, and burst into tears. She thanked Mark and the 251 crew for
risking their lives to save hers. We certainly do make a difference…
Well done Mark and 251.
USAR demonstration
On Monday Chief Superintendent Jim Hamilton and I hosted Premier Morris
Iemma and Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly at the USAR training
facility at Holsworthy Army barracks. Superintendent John Denny organised
a demonstration of the USAR course skills learnt by 26 interstate
emergency services participants from across Australia. The Premier
inspected a rubble walk, DELSAR equipment, vehicle rescue, confined
underground rescue and the Police Canine team in action. The subsequent
press conference resulted in significant media coverage of the NSWFB’s
skills.
AFSM investitures
Today I attended two ceremonies at Government House where five fire
officers were invested with the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
Congratulations to Assistant Director Operational Logistics Chief
Superintendent Hans Bootsma, Port Macquarie SO John Gardner, Bushfire
and Natural Hazards Officer SO George Irwin, Sawtell Captain Keith
Rhoades and Inverell Captain Bob Winkworth. The AFSM is a fitting
tribute to each of you.
Kids Fire Ed competition
On Wednesday I attended Mortdale Fire Station to present 18 local
primary school students with prizes for winning a colouring in competition
from the NSWFB Fire Ed colouring in book. The children were thrilled
with the prize bags donated by local businesses. Regional Commander
South John Benson presented local businesses with certificates of
appreciation for supporting the Fire Ed competition. Congratulations
to the Mortdale crew for driving this excellent community initiative
to keep our kids firesafe.
NSWFB Ball
Tonight is the NSWFB Ball, one of the most anticipated events of the
year! My wife Erris and I will be among 430 guests at Doltone House,
Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Point. If you missed out on tickets this
year, be early next year.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Launch of online Safety Representatives Training Package
The Health and Safety Branch and IT Training Section have developed
an e-learning OHS package to provide Safety Representatives with the
information and skills required to participate in the OHS Consultation
Arrangements for Firefighters.
During August safety representatives from regions and directorates
and the FBEU trialled the package and suggested improvements. Feedback
from this trial has been incorporated into the training package.
The package will be launched next week on a CD to all Safety Representatives
in the NSWFB. The training package will also be available via the
intranet for any member of staff wanting to improve their knowledge
of OHS.
It is anticipated that the Safety Representatives will complete the
required training, which involves six hours of study time and a practical
exercise, by the end of October 2005. For further advice and assistance
regarding the package, please contact the Health and Safety Branch
on x2936.
New Director Logistics Support
Mr Phil Clark has accepted the position of Director Logistics Support,
and will start with the NSWFB next week. Phil brings a diverse mix
of experience, post-graduate tertiary qualifications and skills to
Logistics and the NSWFB. He is a highly experienced logistics and
supply chain professional with experience in the military, manufacturing,
retail and utilities fields. His various roles have also included
fleet, supply and properties. One of his more interesting jobs was
coordination of logistics support to the Australian National Antarctic
Research Expedition.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Gibbs who has
ably led the Logistics area since Roger Doyle's departure last year.
John has done an excellent job, and I am indebted to him.
RUMOUR MILL
NOTE: The rumour mill is designed to clarify whispers or rumours throughout
the NSWFB. It is not a vehicle for complaints. If you have grievances
or complaints, please pursue them through the appropriate channels.
Rumour: Is it true that the airbag-non-deployed-stickers
were banned due to a complaint from the Ambulance and Police services?
Response: At a recent State Rescue Board meeting
a recommendation was put forward by the NSW Police representative
to discontinue the use of Supplementary Restraint System (Airbag)
warning stickers. Inadvertently, the presence of the stickers was
often interpreted by the drivers of the vehicles, some emergency service
personnel and tow truck drivers that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.
This situation placed an unnecessary onus on NSW Police Officers in
relation to accident investigation and mandatory reporting requirements
for vehicles that were deemed unroadworthy as a consequence of a road
accident, and caused unnecessary costs and inconvenience for car owners.
Understandably the recommendation was endorsed by the State Rescue
Board. The Rescue Section is currently reviewing the ongoing use of
airbag warning stickers.
Rumour: Is it true that the NSW Government
will be commissioning a Waterfall medal for NSWFB and Ambulance service?
The NSW Police have received one.
Response: The Awards Committee is reviewing reports
into the Waterfall train derailment to determine what actions are
appropriate, and discussions have been held with the Ambulance Service
on the matter.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Women in Business Breakfast
The line up of speakers at Tuesday’s ‘Women in Business
Breakfast’, hosted by Australian Society of Certified Practising
Accountants was dominated by the NSWFB. Justine Denton, Retained FF
from 48 Mortdale, gave an enlightening presentation about her role
as a Captain in the Army Reserve. Cathryn Dorahy, acting CRMO for
Wollongong, spoke about her experiences as a permanent firefighter
with the NSWFB. Congratulations to Justine and Cath on their informative
and enjoyable speeches.
Henty field day
The NSWFB hosted an information stall at Henty Field Day, held on
20 to 22 September. The agricultural field day draws a crowd of more
than 70,000, some of whom attended the handover of the new Turvey
Park class 2 pumper by Primary Industries Minister Ian McDonald.
Moree firies in the picture at Croc Fest
On Wednesday 21 September NSWFB Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear
handed over a new thermal imaging camera to Moree firefighters as
part of a major NSWFB fire safety initiative at this year’s
Croc Fest, which included one of Australia’s largest fire safety
displays.
As part of the NSWFB’s safety initiative, the Mehi Crescent
Mission Community Fire Unit and the Breathing Apparatus/Hazmat Training
semi-trailer were displayed to promote fire safety to more than 2,500
school children at this year’s festival.
CFU Coordinator South Karl Duesing gave a demonstration of the Kitchen
Fat Fire Simulator from the main stage at the festival to an estimated
audience of more than 3,000 people.
The fire safety displays were supported by a NSWFB careers stand.
This is the fourth time the NSWFB has had a presence at Croc Fest.
In that time, the job of firefighter with the NSWFB has been promoted
to almost 10,000 school students.
Congratulations to Superintendent Steve Pearce, SO Scott Beers and
the 381 Moree crew on another successful festival.
UPCOMING EVENTS
World Firefighters Games 2006 Hong Kong
The next World Firefighters Games will be held in Hong Kong in February
2006. SFF Kevin Smith is the NSWFB Sports Association representative
organising NSWFB involvement. A meeting to discuss uniforms, accommodation
and travel arrangements will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 5 October
at Mounties Sports Club, Meadows Road, Mt Pritchard.
All NSWFB employees are eligible to compete. Anyone interested in
attending must register with SFF Smith. For further information, please
contact SFF Smith at 31 Busby B or go to the World Firefighters Games
website.
COMMISH'S CORNER
Commissioner's e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish's PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish's Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story, please contact Public Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or (North) 9265 2631
Cut off for submissions is 10:00am Thursday