Melton tops up the ranks

Melton Fire Brigade bolstered by full-time firefighters

After 73 years of service, Melton Fire Brigade was bolstered by the addition of ten full-time firefighters this week.

Melton is among the fastest growing areas in Victoria. To maintain a high level of service to the community, full-time staff have been integrated into the brigade to support the station’s busy volunteers.

The staff will be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Outgoing Melton Brigade Captain Ray Dickson said the addition of full-time staff was the start of a new era for the brigade.

“This is an exciting time for the brigade. Our volunteers have done a fantastic job protecting the community over the years and the addition of full-time staff will help us to continue to provide that same high level of service—while taking some of the pressure off volunteers.

“This has capped off a busy few months for the brigade, starting with the opening in May of the new fire station in Henry Street by Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron,” he said.

Melton Fire Brigade’s incoming Officer-in-charge James Dullard agreed with Ray , saying the additional firefighters would enhance the brigade’s operational capacity, particularly as Melton continues to grow.

James said the added capacity would also allow the brigade to undertake more community education activities.

“When we’re not responding to emergencies, we like to go out and speak to schoolchildren and the community about fire prevention and home fire safety, which is an important part of what we do,” he said.