The CFA has celebrated International Volunteer Day by highlighting the work of Laurie Naveaux, a volunteer firefighter from France.
Ms Naveaux volunteers for the South Morang Fire Brigade and said firefighting is in her DNA.
“It’s in my blood… I just love helping the community, being there for a fire call, or any type of call,” she said.
Ms Naveaux has been a member of three fire services around the world, first in France, then New Caledonia and for the last three years, Australia.
When Ms Naveaux first moved to Australia, she said she had one condition, to continue volunteering as a firefighter.
“I said [to my employer] ‘I need to continue my journey as a firefighter’, and that’s how I ended up becoming a CFA volunteer.”
Ms Naveaux said joining the South Morang brigade helped her make connections in her new community.
“When you spend time with people with the same mindset and the same values as you, you grow those relationships with people and make those connections.”
Ms Naveaux said she fell in love with firefighting at a young age.
“I first joined as a junior cadet when I was 12 years old in France, then became a part-time firefighter when I was 16 and still at school.”
Ms Naveaux said when she was 18 her parents told her to go to university but she just wanted to be a firefighter.
“I continued as a part-time firefighter in France, while also doing my degree.”
Ms Naveaux said she moved to New Caledonia in 2014 and continued her work as a part-time firefighter in the fire service.
She said volunteering with the CFA combines her love of firefighting and helping others.
“I have the firefighting side of what I loved in the past, and helping the community, being there for them and trying to handle any situation for them.”
A CFA spokesperson said they recognise the dedication and spirit of CFA members to protecting their communities.
“We celebrate and thank them for their commitment today and every day.”
