Home

East Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller fires up community spirit

Headshot of Sarah Makse
Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
East Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller.
Camera IconEast Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

With eight years of service under his belt and a goal to ignite the volunteer spirit among a new generation, Will Miller, 24, is ready to step up as the new captain of the East Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.

Mr Miller first donned his uniform a week after his 16th birthday, following in the footsteps of his father Warren Miller, a volunteer firefighter of more than 30 years.

In his time as a volunteer, he has protected communities across WA, helping local volunteers in Esperance during the devastating 2019 bushfires and fighting the 2016 Yarloop blaze which claimed two lives.

Mr Miller said it was his mission to build a strong brigade to serve Denmark into the future.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I’d like my position to help draw in some younger members,” he said.

East Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller.
Camera IconEast Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

“Unfortunately, down here in the Great Southern we lose a lot of people my age to university and so forth.

“I am hoping that I can lead in a way that leaves the brigade in better state for future.

“It would be nice to pass on something that is a well running machine.

“At the end of the day you’ve got to make the most of your training and I just hope that I can pass on some knowledge and training to future members.”

Volunteering alongside local heroes with decades of experience, Mr Miller said it was easy to picture a long-lasting career in the brigade.

Mr Miller said he hoped to use his position as captain to champion a new generation of young leaders.

East Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller.
Camera IconEast Denmark Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Will Miller. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

“Being part of volunteer organisations comes with a great sense of family and friendship, locally and on a greater scale in the region,” he said.

“With four or five different volunteer banners — marine, St John, SES, bushfire brigades and fire and rescue — there is a a role for everyone and all abilities.

“It's a great way to give back to the community and the skills and friendships you take away from being part of these groups is invaluable.

“I would encourage anyone that has considered joining any of these groups not to be shy as they will be welcomed with open arms.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails