Membership of a Country Fire Service
Some of the firefighters of the Aldgate Brigade.
The CFS Act of 1989 has set out detailed criteria for membership of a CFS fire brigade and is divided into three categories;
With the exception of Cadets, all new members are probationary for a period of six months. During this time members must be Active (as defined in Brigade Rules) and as firefighters, must have successfully completed an introductory course of training as approved by the CFS Board (presently Level 1).
Considerable emphasis is placed upon the training element, and an additional comprehensive range of courses are available and recommended. These courses will enable you to become proficient in the many facets of CFS duties. The following courses are some that are on offer to members:
· Level 2 (Rural fire threat component)
· Level 3 (Urban fire threat component)
Regular brigade training is conducted at the fire station on Monday nights from 7.30pm (1930 hours) At times exercises and special training maybe held at on weekends. Active firefighters are currently expected to attend a minimum of 12 training nights each year to remain registered as a member.
New Members transferring from other fire services, or Brigades, are entitled to continuity of their service, and transferring of qualifications obtained and recognition of prior learning, providing they have been transferred as active members.
Officer Ranks (and management committee) are determined by holding elections every two years. All members of the brigade, except for cadets and non-registered person's are entitled to one vote for each position. Operational Officers are the positions you will initially become most familiar with; these are Brigade Captain, Lieutenants and Senior Fire-fighters.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations require the appropriate protective clothing to be worn at training and at all incidents. Each registered member is issued (usually after successfully completing the probationary period) with the following Turnout Gear -
Turnout Coats are issued on a "need to have" basis. Until such time you receive your Turnout Gear, it is recommended you wear the following clothing to training and/or fires - heavy work boots, work jeans & woollen Shirt or jumper.
All issued equipment remains the property of the Brigade, and is returnable immediately upon notice from the Brigade Management Committee.
Emergency call-outs in this Brigade are notified by a continuous siren sounding; members are also supplied with pagers. Crews are selected and assembled at the CFS Station prior to departure to an incident scene.