On Friday 25 April, Anzac Day, Australians reflect on the sacrifice of everyone who has served our country in war, and to recognise all current and former members of our Defence Force
Anzac Day holds particular significance among the ranks for Firefighters stationed at Mildura FS (72). More than 10 personnel who served with the Australian Defence Force have also been stationed at Mildura as Firefighters including:
LFF Ange Kocek, POML-P.
3 Tours of The Middle East, Iraq and its territorial waters on HMA Ships Anzac and Warrumunga.
Land Deployment, Afghanistan
Fast Roper, Boarding Part and Ships Medical Team.
LFF Tony Kocek, Able Seaman Marine Technician, HMAS Newcastle.
3 Deployments with Operation Resolute
LFF Andy Barnes, Navy, Medic.
Served in the South Pacific and Operation Slipper.
LFF Callum Sweeney, Royal Australian Army.
Lance Corporal
Sniper Team Leader
LFF Bronson Amos, Combat Engineer Army Reserves
LFF Josh Madden, Sergeant Royal Australian Army
East Timor 2009
Afghanistan 2012, Combat Medic
LFF Nathan McInnes Rifleman
5/7Royal Australian Army
East Timor
INTERFET
SO Scott Connor:
Rank: Seargent
3 tours Solomon islands.
Infantry
Mildura Firefighters have served in theatres across the globe and have formed a particularly strong bond following their shared experiences serving with the Defence Forces.
Amongst their ranks include Navy personnel, Medic’s, Engineers, Sergeants and Lance Corporals.
Life as Firefighters
Station 72 has benefited from a wide range of transferable skills from those acquired in the Defence Force including:
– Using complex hand and power tools
– Being able to efficiently communicate specialist knowledge to those unfamiliar with the terminology.
– Quickly identify and mitigate hazards.
– Work under pressure in adverse conditions.
– Problem solving with limited time and resources.
– Work ethic, discipline, physical fitness.
In particular, the advanced skills acquired by many as Medics with the Defence Force is of benefit when arriving first on scene to a Emergency Medical Response. LFF Barnes transferred his medical skills to the fire brigade with the introduction of EMR to the CFA in 2015.
The UFU is proud to have so many ex-service personnel amongst its ranks in Mildura and across Victoria, we recognise the benefits their skills and experience bring to the service and our Union.
We wish them well on Anzac Day and thank them for their service.
