October 10th, 2023Watts’ job with CFA is taking care of safety
Supporting brigades to engage effectively with their community about fire safety is the responsibility of the brigade’s community safety coordinator.
Chloe Watts is the CSC for Koondrook Fire Brigade on the Murray River in the state’s north-west. She works on a range of community safety projects throughout the year, with the latest idea targeting the younger generation.
“Our brigade has self-funded a community education fire truck which is essentially a large wooden fire truck for kids,” Chloe said.
The fire truck, which cost $5,500, is being constructed now and is expected to be complete by October. It will be transported to community events in a trailer which has been provided by CFA’s local district mechanical officer.
“The truck will be purpose-built for kids to climb on. There are hose reels so they can squirt water, a steering wheel, flashing lights and a pretend radio,” she said.
“We’re excited to have this resource to further boost our interaction with kids. If we can continue to teach kids about fire education at schools and get them engaged at community events, then it helps get the parents involved too.
“I’d like to thank our 2nd Lieutenant Nathan Goble, who is super handy, for constructing this truck. It’s fantastic having members in the brigade who are passionate and willing to put their hand up and help build something that will benefit the brigade, the community and other brigades.”
Chloe is dedicated to engaging her local community about fire safety so they’re ready for any emergency.
“We plan for the worst but we hope for the best. If the community is prepared, it helps the brigade too,” she said.
Chloe has been a community safety coordinator for more than 13 years with Wandin and Koondrook brigades. She works closely with the Koondrook Development Committee which comprises volunteers who work together on local community events. The brigade also partners with cross-border NSW brigades at events such as the Barham Koondrook Show.
“These events give our brigade a great opportunity to be involved and engage with the community,” Chloe said. “Our brigade loves being the face of the community and through the work that we do we recently recruited six new members.”
