Our bushfire volunteers: Graeme Fickel

Graeme Fickel, Customer Service Delivery

A Customer Service Team Leader based at Campbelltown Station, Graeme has been volunteering with the RFS for 25 years.

Graeme began in the catering section of the RFS before transferring to firefighting in the Cobitty Brigade where he was for 10 years, working his way up to senior deputy captain. He then transferred to Narellan Brigade, closer to his home. Graeme has been with Narellan Brigade for three years and is currently acting deputy captain.

“Sydney Trains has been excellent in assisting me with time away to help with the fires and attend training courses,” says Graeme. “My manager Graeme Ellis (CAM customer area manager) is always happy to chat, support me and checks in on my wellbeing.”

In December, Graeme was deployed backburning with the Green Wattle Creek fire in the Terranderie area, as well as Oakdale, Silverdale, Balmoral and Buxton.

There were many instances where Graeme’s crew pulled together in difficult situations, including saving a bush-surrounded property in Oakdale that was deemed undefendable.

With the residents deciding to stay at their property, Graeme and the crew sat up on the road that lead to the house, ready to fight the fire coming through.

“As the firefront approached, people were furiously wetting everything down – the fire and wind came at us with force, followed by an ember attack which then caused spot fires on the ground, running up trees.

“We waited and attacked that firefront head-on from the property, once protection and crews were in place, along with other trucks and crew and helicopter support from the air.

“We all did what we had to do, checking on each other and maintaining the water supply until the fire passed through so we could mop up, pack up and move onto the next property – it was an awesome victory.”

“It’s all about working together as a team and knowing your ability and training expertise to be able to cope in each and every job you’re sent out to – communication is very important in all situations.”

Last week, Graeme took a trip back to Balmoral and Buxton where he had been fighting fires.

“The devastation left behind was unbelievable to say the least,” he says. “I was able to spend some time visiting friends there who I helped out doing property protection and deliver a car-load of goodies collected by Fairfield Station staff on to Balmoral Fire Station – much needed supplies for those in need.”

Graeme also spent a few days last week on the fire ground at Voyager Point with fellow RFS volunteer and Sydney Trains employee Mick Jackson, working to manage, contain and control a fire which came close many houses.