Being in the rural fire service seems to be a family affair for Heidi Thornton.
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She joined the service over 10 years ago, following in the footsteps of her parents Joe and Wendy Howard and husband Graham.
But little did she know that she would create history by becoming Dungog brigade’s first female senior deputy captain.
She doesn’t really know what was the catalyst for joining but said she wanted to help the community.
“It’s not for everyone as you get dirty and it can be quite dangerous,” said the 42-year-old.
“But I love it and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
“Dad had been a long time firie so we kids grew up within that community.
“We would watch them go out to a fire and of course wait for them to come home safely.
“When I first joined Ashleigh was just two-years-old and I was pregnant with Sam so I couldn’t attend fires, but Di Bennett [from the Clarence Town brigade] got me involved with the community engagement side.
“I would go out to the preschools and teach fire safety and how to make triple-0 calls.
“When the kids were older I did my basic training and started going out to fires.”
Heidi has done a lot of training over the years, particularly just before taking on the senior deputy captain role.
When she joined she completed her basic fire fighting course and then a few years later the village fire course.
Recently she completed her advanced fire fighting and crew leader courses.
“I took over Jim Francis’ position when he retired last year,” Heidi said.
“Dad was captain and mum was deputy captain but there was no-one to take on the senior deputy role.
“It was a big step up for me, a lot of work and a lot of weekends spent doing courses.
“But I had the backing of the brigade members so I was really encouraged.
“There is a great atmosphere within the brigade, we are like a big extended family and over the years I have made a lot of new friends with other brigade members.
“We are all there for the same purpose and everyone gets on very well.”
Brigade member Matt Faulkner said he and the other members had no issues with a female senior deputy captain.
“It is totally irrelevant that Heidi is a female,” he said.
“When I joined nearly six years ago there were more female members than male.
“There is nothing they can’t do except sometimes heavy lifting, but their small frames enable them to get through fences more easily.”
Heidi’s daughter Ashleigh has just turned 16 and has become a member of the brigade and will start her basic training very soon.
