If the helmet fits

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE Fire Brigade got a show of support they desperately needed last week.
Demoralised by the theft of $300 worth of plants from the fire station earlier in the week, members faced up to a recruitment night not knowing what to expect.
Fifteen people turned up and by the end of the night they had 10 new members signed up.
Healesville captain Graeme Bates had appealed for volunteers in September after a fire on Myers Creek Road highlighted the potential for an early and explosive fire season and the need for more firefighters.
Brigade members worked overtime door knocking and letterbox dropping in Chum Creek to achieve the response they got on Wednesday night.
Wendy Gray and daughter Chantelle, 18, formalised their involvement with the brigade and signed up. Husband and dad, Brian is a member.
“I’ve always been involved but because I have been caring for a disabled child, I have not been able to commit to this level of involvement,” Mrs Gray said.
Chantelle has just finished VCE and will have summer free before returning to study.
Mandy Fitzinger and Darryl Thomas see their involvement as making a contribution to the community they live in.
“It’s a good thing to have in the community and when we heard the brigade was struggling with less members, I thought I would like to contribute,” Mr Thomas said.
As an arborist he works in the area and has some flexibility with his work.
Ms Fitzinger said she also came along because she wanted to help out.
“I have some flexibility and think it is also a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people,” she said.
Mr Bates said the response was heartening.
“It’s good to see there are still people out there willing to put in a bit of time and effort because it’s all voluntary and it’s not an easy thing to do.
“You have to be accredited now to be a firefighter and that takes a bit of work and commitment.”
Anyone interested in joining the new Healesville recruits can call into the station any Sunday morning between 10am and noon or Thursday nights between 8pm and 10pm or phone 5962 5010.