VOLUNTEERS at Trentham’s Country Fire Authority have received a grant to purchase a field command vehicle to assist with responding to incidents faster and more efficiently.
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The volunteers will receive $53,333 through the state government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), which funds operational equipment.
Under the VESEP, the Labor Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution.
We often have to respond in our own vehicles when news of a fire comes in. So a field command vehicle will mean having the appliances all set up, like dual radio, with all the gear we need to survey and run crews.
- Paul Healy
The field command vehicle will be added to the branch’s tankers, big fill and annex brigade vehicles.
First Lieutenant Paul Healy said the vehicle would assist with the logistics of responding to an incident.
“We often have to respond in our own vehicles when news of a fire comes in. So a field command vehicle will mean having the appliances all set up, like dual radio, with all the gear we need to survey and run crews.”
He said it would not only benefit Trentham but also the other brigades in the Glenlyon group, which is comprised of a group of eight brigades.
He said the group would be better serviced with a second field command vehicle on the Trentham side.
“In the event we do get something big in the middle of the bush, we have a vehicle on this side that we can help to run the incident with,” he said.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said volunteers were the heart of emergency services.
“These grants will ensure they have the modern equipment they need to keep our local communities safe.”
The brigade should receive the new vehicle ahead of next year’s fire season.
