Profile - Skeeta

Springhurst brigade’s John Crossman has been a member of and involved in multiple running teams in regions 23 and 24.

But upon reading this, most people familiar with Beechworth, Wodonga, Wodonga West, Barnawatha and Springhurst brigades will be thinking “who?”

That’s because he may have been christened John, but he’s much better known as Skeeta.

Born in Wangaratta, Skeeta’s been in CFA for 40 years and running teams for 38 years.

Skeeta’s joined and run with various brigades and moved as he’s worked in different locations. His latest membership is with Springhurst brigade in Region 23.

He also helps coach the running team, with brigade Captain, Kevin Atteridge.

“It’s just for the love of it – sport. It’s all part and parcel of a fire brigade – you’ve got to know how to operate machinery. It’s important to be able to connect hoses and pumps,” Skeeta said.

He said he continues to participate in running teams because of enjoyment and to set an example for younger members of the brigade: “If us oldies pull out, the kids will. We’ve gotta keep it going.”