Samantha Bertoni and Jayden Demanuele.
CFA members from across the state have saved around 2,877 lives by making more than 950 donations during this year's Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Team CFA's contributions included more than 590 plasma, 330 whole blood and 30 platelet donations between 1 June and 31 August 2025.
Notably, there were 19 first time donors this year.
One of those donors was Mernda Fire Brigade member Stephanie Tamer, one of four members from her brigade to make their first donation.
Stephanie said donating plasma was an easy way to make a big difference.
"For me, it's just about being able to help someone," she said.
"We do much harder things to help people in our role as a CFA volunteer, so sitting down to give blood felt like such an easy way to make a difference for someone who might need it."
Stephanie said the process was simple and supported every step of the way.
"The lifeblood team was fantastic. We had someone coordinating for our area and making sure we were organised, and both donation locations, Bundoora and Eltham, were lovely," she said.
Stephanie's already encouraging her fellow brigade members to get involved next year.
"I've been encouraging everyone in my brigade to give it a go. Anyone who has the capacity to donate should, you can't put into words how important it is," Stephanie said.
As for whether she'll return to the donor chair… "Absolutely, I'll be back. If you can do it as often as you're eligible, you should. It only takes about 10 minutes and it's such an easy way to help others."
CFA finished the national challenge in a strong third place overall, behind only NSW and Victoria Police.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, who also donated, said volunteers are always willing to go above and beyond.
"Our volunteers selflessly give up their time every day to help others, so it's great to see our members continuing to get behind this vital initiative," Jason said.
"I encourage our members and the broader community to continue to give blood all year round when they can."
