CFA volunteer Brodie Goodwin doesn't member a time when he wasn't around his local CFA brigade and he encourages others to consider joining.
For Brodie, it was never really a question of if he would join the brigade, it was when, after growing up around the brigade with his dad, Daryl Goodwin who has been a volunteer for around 35 years.
Daryl said it has been a joy watching Brodie go from being a teenager doing his training to being captain.
"I used to drive him over to all his training nights as he didn't have his licence yet," Daryl said.
"He has really taken everything on and become so involved.
"We have been to numerous incidents together and it's nice knowing you've got your son by your side."
It turned out to be mid-2018 when Brodie undertook his training and joined the ranks at Traralgon South Fire Brigade.
"I have always been around the brigade, and it was always something I had an interest in," Brodie said.
"I joined up, and the rest was history."
Alongside firefighting, Brodie has taken on many other roles including being the incoming brigade captain, training coordinator, former 1st lieutenant, and the deputy group officer for the Hyland Group.
Brodie said he is particularly passionate about the training space and loves to help other people on their journey to upskill within CFA.
"I love being able to help shape that space in our area," Brodie said.
"It helps to strengthen not just my brigade but all those around the district. It has a ripple effect."
For Brodie, CFA is made up of both big and small moments, but one that stands out for him was being involved in a strike team to the East Gippsland fires of 2019-20.
"I learned a lot about how fire works from that experience. It really made me a better firefighter," Brodie said.
"It was a tough experience, having such a large fire and a community that was terrified but it really reminded me of why I do this, to help at times like those.
Beyond CFA, Brodie works as an electrical fitter and said the skills he has learned through CFA extend beyond the brigade and into his professional and personal life.
"There have been so many leadership courses I have had the chance to undertake," Brodie said.
I love that being a part of CFA allows me to help my community, but it also gives so much back to me."
Brodie said the doors at CFA are always open and there is a place for everyone.
"Even if it's not with our brigade, even if it's not on a truck, there is something you can do to be involved," Brodie said.
"You never know if you will like it or not unless you give it a try and you never know where it might lead you."
If you're interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer.
