Highton CFA's new captain Ali Jordan has firefighting in her blood but says she still has much to learn and is looking forward to working with a great brigade management team.
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"I grew up in the brigade as my dad has been a member for 30 years and is also an ex-captain," she says.
Beginning her formal CFA journey as a junior with Belmont fire brigade, Ali joined Highton as an operational member at 16.
In her 16 years with CFA, she's held the roles of Secretary, brigade communications officer and 1st Lieutenant and was recently elected the brigade's first female Captain and is also Deputy Group Officer for Geelong group and Geelong group Communications Officer.
"I certainly didn't think I'd be the brigade's first female captain, but it's such an honour and I hope I can be a role model to other females in leadership roles," she says.
"I feel really privileged and excited to be leading the Brigade with a great BMT behind me. I'm really looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities that come with the role. I'm sure there will be a lot to learn!"
Over the years, Ali has attended numerous house, grass and bushfires as well as road accidents and other emergencies. Her first strike team was on Black Saturday, which she calls an eye-opening experience, and she has done a few more deployments since then.
"I think my favourite would be to Dreeite, a tiny town behind Colac, where we had a great crew and worked closely with a Helitak. Everything just worked well," she says.
"I love being a firefighter because of the great friendships I've made. I know I can ring so many different people for help or guidance. We're a tight-knit group."
Ali said she also finds it really fulfilling to get out and interact with the community and help out where needed.
"You get to experience the community on their best and worst days and being able to make a difference is so rewarding."
