More than 12 years ago Heidi Thornton joined the Rural Fire Service, following in the footsteps of her parents Ken and Wendy Howard.
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She followed that up by becoming the Dungog brigade’s first female senior deputy captain in 2013 and has gone one step further and stepped up to captain.
She doesn’t really know what the catalyst was 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 43-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.”
Ken Howard was captain of the brigade for 14 years and also group officer for group four.
“Regulations now state he can’t do both roles and I was the only one qualified to step up to captain, so here I am,” Heidi said.
John Ralston, who has been a member of the brigade for 24 years, has stepped into the role of senior deputy captain.
“I was 16 when I joined,” he said.
“My parents were in it and dad [Harold] was captain of Bendolba/Salisbury for many years when he was on the Water Board and worked in that area.
“I’m here to help in as much capacity as I can.
“It’s great to see Heidi stepping up into the captain’s role.
“Having a female at the helm just shows how far the RFS has come over the years.”
The brigade has around 10 active members and they are looking for more to join.
If you are interested contact Heidi on 0427 923 096.