Firefighter Matthew Jenkins joined the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service in 2009, where as a recruit he learnt firsthand that it was tough job.
"Looking back on it all, it was hard, but absolutely worth it. You get an amazing experience that only a select few get to share, and you can establish lifelong friendships in the process.
"This is the best job in the world, but you definitely have to put in the work," he said.
"In saying that, this career can offer you experiences like no other."
Matt recently started in his new role as a Station Officer in Darwin under the Fire Safety Command.
"The team I work with are fantastic, and the role provides a different perspective of the job that has helped me be a more complete firefighter," Matt said.
"I've worked with and was lucky enough to be mentored by some of the best firefighters in the organisation, and in turn have been afforded the opportunity to work with and mentor some of the best up and coming firefighters.
Up until recently, Matt was stationed in Alice Springs and Yulara, where he can tell you how each location presents its own unique experiences and challenges.
"The resources you have available to you can be so different, which makes each call out unique.
During Matt's time in the Southern region, he would coordinate monthly catch ups with past and current firefighters, to keep everyone socialising together and to keep that team comradery going.
But Matt hasn't just served the NT community, he has also assisted in other natural disasters around the nation.
"I've been deployed interstate as part of responses to assist with varying emergencies and disasters, such as New South Wale fires and Cyclone Trevor in Queensland in 2019."
As part of Matt's role in the Fire Safety Command, he wants the community to ensure they are looking at fire safety in and around their home and urges Territorians to check their smoke alarms.
"Smoke alarms are vitally important to giving families early warning of fire and having a home escape plan that increases each family member's safety should be something that every home has.
"The plan is called EDITH - 'Exit Drill In The Home' and it involves parents/guardians working with children to draw a floor plan of their home, and familiarizing them with their escape plan in the event of a fire at home" said Matt.
To find out more about fire safety around your home, visit https://bit.ly/3t3uaEd
