Volunteer Firefighter’s Burning Love for Brigade

By Zoe Keenan The Secret Harbour Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, just north of Mandurah, celebrated 20 years of serving the community on Saturday with one of their original crew becoming a life member. Stephen Summerton said volunteering has always been part of his ethos. “I’ve basically been a volunteer for 20 years now, I first joined in October 1996 when the brigade was formed,” Stephen said, sporting a smile. “For me that was a great honour to be recognised by my peers to be a life member. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to do another 20 to 30 years as long as the Secret Harbour Fire and Rescue exists.” Stephen said although he has had to miss out on some important family events like Christmas Day and his second child’s graduation he still recommends volunteering to anyone. “It just comes with being a volunteer unfortunately you don’t know when you’re going to get call outs but it’s very exciting and challenging being a volunteer firefighter and I’d recommend it to anyone,” he said. “What I love about it is the camaraderie of everyone down here, we’re all here for the same reason which is basically to help the community in a time of need.” The Secret Harbour VFRS celebrated their 20-year anniversary with a station open day raising awareness in the community of the coming bushfire season. Volunteers on the day told The Bounce News that they were expecting the worst bushfire season yet and that it was going to be a hot summer. But just how hot is this years’ summer going to be? Find out what Neil Bennett from the WA Bureau of Meteorology has to say below. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlA4vuu94hc&w=560&h=315]