by Mat Churchill

Anyone who's old enough to vote is likely to have witnessed, or experienced first hand the dedicated work of an emergency services crew.

And for those of you who live in Port Douglas or the surrounding hinterland, you'll already know that our strong community is made up of individuals who are prepared to lend a hand to help others in a time of need. The crew members of the Port Douglas and Mossman Fire Brigades are a fine example of this.

A little know fact is the Port Douglas Fire Brigade is the busiest auxiliary (full time on call crew) station in Queensland, averaging between 300 and 400 calls per year.

Despite their 'auxiliary' tag, the crew undertakes the same intensive training, uses the same equipment, wears the same uniforms, and abide by the same principles as any full time station.

"We have been trained to control situations that involve not only fires, but road traffic crashes, swift water rescues such as what is required at Mossman Gorge, QAS assistance, hazardous materials, natural disasters such as Cyclone Larry, animal rescues and any other issue that the community as a whole needs us to assist with," said Ditch, a long term member and Lieutenant.

"Once you start and achieve something, it's something that you just don’t to let go of. There's a great sense of self-satisfaction.

"I became involved because I wanted to be trained so I could be in a position where I may be able to assist someone, somehow, someday. To me there is nothing more satisfying than being able to help in changing a scary situation into a controlled situation."

If you've been looking for an opportunity to become more involved in our community, the Port Douglas and Mossman Fire Brigades are looking for new members to join their team.

"The attraction to many of us in being part of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is the variety in your day, and the fact that you can make the difference," said Jason, another dedicated crew member of the Port Brigade.

"We are looking for men and women who are committed to the region, not just travelling through. It's a great community organisation that has a great social scene attached," he said.

Crew members are expected to commit two hours of their time every Tuesday night for training, and be available whenever possible (day or night) for call outs.

"Although this is a paid position it won't pay the mortgage so we understand that your regular job and your family are your first priorities," Ditch said. "Having said the there is a prerequisite that all QFRS employees attend 75% of training, and 50% of all calls."

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of either brigade, please contact Ditch on 0419 042 576 (Port Douglas) or Colleen James on 0414 637 123 (Mossman/Cooya area), or drop in on a Tuesday night at 6pm.

Ditch has a parting message for those people who may not want to join, but still show their appreciation for the service they provide, "You can assist by stopping and allowing our trucks onto the main roads when we are called upon, or by dropping in on any Tuesday night for a look at what we do."

He added that the continued support of the crew's families by the community is greatly appreciated.

So, in the immortal words of Bruce Willis in that classic movie 'Armageddon', "The Lieutenant just asked us to save Port Douglas, are you gonna say no?"….or something to that effect.