An Epping firefighter has been recognised for his passion for recruiting more volunteers for the CFA.
Liam Gallagher was recently awarded the 2022 Spirit of CFA Youth Award, which recognised CFA members aged between 11 and 25 who inspire others through their commitment to their brigade and community and consistently demonstrate collaboration, initiative, and leadership.
Mr Gallagher, who is the Epping brigade’s 4th lieutenant, training co-ordinator, communications officer and group delegate, recently completed a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management and focused his dissertation on CFA’s challenges in overcoming a decline in volunteer firefighters.
The CFA said strategies offered by Mr Gallagher through his research will be transformational for the organisation and will assist in maintaining and growing volunteer numbers in the face of social, organisational and environmental change.
He also contributed to a research project in north-west region called Youth Voices Research project which focused on how CFA can attract, support, retain and train the younger generation of volunteers.
According to the CFA, Mr Gallagher’s volunteerism extends beyond Epping CFA. He is also involved in the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group – a community-based committee that meets regularly to discuss issues, opportunities, initiatives and programs that impact Aboriginal people living in the City of Whittlesea.
Mr Gallagher joined the CFA in 2016 after completing high school
“I was looking to fill a void whilst doing an activity that would have a meaningful impact on the community that I lived in,” Mr Gallagher said.
“I had always seen the local CFA active within my area ever since I was a little kid. Despite having no prior firefighting experience, I decided to sign up, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
“I have had many memorable moments with CFA. It’s one of the reasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with the organisation so far. I can’t pinpoint a specific moment but in general it’s about meeting some of the most kind, caring and selfless people who you would never meet in any other organisation. In particular, the people of Epping brigade display those qualities every day and without their continued support I would not have achieved the level of success needed to win a Spirit of CFA Award. Those relationships will last a lifetime.”
Mr Gallagher said he felt the award was recognition for his service and hard work.
“It is a representation of the many, many hours of hard work and sacrifices that I have made to make the organisation that has given so much to me a better place for all,” he said,
“As I continue my journey with CFA, I would like to continue to focus on how the organisation can better position itself to overcome the issues of volunteer decline. With the increasing demand on CFA due to a changing climate, the need for volunteers to perform time-critical emergency response will only grow. I also see myself continuing to be an active firefighter, on the front line serving my community in their time of need.”
