Hallam Fire Brigade has traditionally been an intergraded brigade but since Fire Services Reform it's recently elected its first captain.
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Michele Lovett has been a CFA member since she was 11 years old, first joining as a CFA Junior 27 years ago when the brigade was originally located in Doveton.
She spent five years in the junior program before transitioning to a senior membership. Michele said being brigade captain is something she's always wanted to achieve.
"It is an honour to recently be elected the first captain and I hope I can be a role model to others."
Michele has held a number of roles throughout her 20 years in the senior ranks, including, 1st Lieutenant, 3rd Lieutenant, Fire Equipment Maintenance Officer, Brigade Community Safety Coordinator, Brigade Health & Safety Coordinator, Junior Leader and now Captain.
"CFA has been in my family forever," she added. "My father was the 1st lieutenant for 10 years and a member for over 50 years. Both my grandfathers were also captains of rural brigades.
"Since being elected the brigade and I have been working on setting the brigade up for the future as a fully volunteer brigade. This is totally new for Hallam as we've always been an integrated brigade prior to reform and establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria.
"The brigade management team has also been working on developing pathways for memberships to create achievable goals.
"I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that will come from being the first captain of the brigade," she added. "I'm excited to work alongside FRV in our co-located station and move forward as a volunteer organisation."
Hallam Fire Brigade recently took part in the 2021 State Championships.
"It was great to be able to come together again face to face," she said. "The champs really bring everyone together and it's been great to see such camaraderie.
"We had a great turnout from the brigade and we are even more excited for 2022 to see more brigades on the track competing."
