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All fired up about volunteer service

Headshot of Kellie Balaam
Kellie BalaamNarrogin Observer
28 year old William Davey has been a volunteer for 11 years
Camera Icon28 year old William Davey has been a volunteer for 11 years Credit: Kellie Balaam

Volunteer firefighter William Davey’s passion for helping communities saw him put his life on the line battling deadly bushfires in New South Wales.

The 28-year-old, who has been a volunteer for 11 years, serves with the Narrogin Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

He grew up in Pingelly and has always liked helping the community.

“I signed up to join one of the WA strike teams going over to NSW and I got picked out of several other volunteers,” he said.

The seven-day deployment saw Mr Davey and the other 24 volunteers from emergency services around WA stand their ground on the fire front.

“We were based in Ballina and it was a good experience to be a part of — I learnt a lot of new things,” he said.

“We were in hilly mountainous areas mainly doing back burns and protecting houses.

“There were a couple of scary moments where there was a burnover and we nearly had a tree fall down.”

This trip was Mr Davey’s first interstate deployment.

When Mr Davey isn’t volunteering his time he likes to go four wheel driving or get away on a camping trip.
Camera IconWhen Mr Davey isn’t volunteering his time he likes to go four wheel driving or get away on a camping trip. Credit: Kellie Balaam

He said he always had the full support of his partner.

“My partner is pretty used to me heading into dangerous situations but she was a bit nervous for me going to NSW,” he said.

Volunteers from Perth bush fire brigades and fire rescue services were also part of the strike team.

Recalling his time in NSW, Mr Davey stressed the importance of volunteering and said the NVFRS needed more members.

“We currently have 11 active volunteers and we need more. If you think you’re suitable to do the work, come down on a Sunday morning and meet the guys,” he said.

Mr Davey said the low numbers were due to people showing less interest in volunteering or they were moving to the city.

“You don’t have to fight fires and put your life on the line. There are other roles involved with community things where we need support,” he said.

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