Profile - Carolyn Bischof

Mannerim brigade’s Carolyn Bischof may have been a CFA member for only two years, but what she lacks in time served, she’s making up for with enthusiasm.

Carolyn became involved with CFA about two years ago, when her son, Rhys, joined Mannerim’s running team. And now Carolyn would like to document as much of CFA’s history, people and vehicles as she can.

“I’m hoping a book on CFA will not just be of interest to firefighters. I want to cover as many brigades as I can, and write about things like the oldest member, the oldest trucks, or a number of family members in a brigade, how far the family goes back in the brigade - any points of interest.

“My original intent was to have something to honour every brigade, but I know that might not be possible. I envisage lots of photos.”

Carolyn has a lot on her plate: she has four children, the youngest who is just four months old and is being breast-fed. Yet Carolyn is on Mannerim’s running team, along with husband Werner, and hopes to spend up to eight weeks travelling around Victoria researching brigades for her book.

“I want to honour the camaraderie.”

Carolyn said she hopes to have the book completed and ready for publishing in about a year. If you’d like to contribute to the book or have your brigade included in it, contact Carolyn on email harmoni333@iprimus.com.au or mobile 0407 533 380.