Service calls for help

As the cold lifts and the warmer temperatures start approaching, Manjimup Volunteer Fire and Rescue is calling on people to join the service.

Captain Michael Whitelaw said some of the benefits of joining the service were lifelong friends, a new skill set and helping the community.

“The skill set you get out of it workwise is great and you also learn great life skills,” he said.

“We’re a great group of people to work and socialise with.”

The Manjimup Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services trains every Tuesday and then on Friday the members meet for equipment checks and a barbecue.

Volunteers are trained to deal with a variety of situations including structural fires, bushfires and road crash rescue.

It can take up to three months to be trained to attend incidents.

The service has 14 active members, one junior, five support crew and one active reserve.

Juniors can join from 16 years old for training but they cannot attend incidents until 18.

“There are no pre-requisites for people who want to join, but having a driver’s licence and first aid certificate is handy,” Capt. Whitelaw said.

“All we ask is you come along, have fun and enjoy.

“We’re serious on the job, but together we boost each other up.”

Capt. Whitelaw said many hands made light work in the volunteer group.

“Most people think they don’t have enough time, but the more people we have, the lighter work we have between us,” he said.

Contact Capt. Whitelaw on 0456 180 488 or Michael Lawrence on 0429 629 438 for more information about the service.