Bill Logie is a man helping lead the next generation of CFA fire fighters.
The 17-year CFA veteran was the coach of the Strathmerton rural firefighter championships team, which competed in the recent CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
The event, held over two weekends (March 16 and 17 for the Urban Juniors State Firefighter Championships and March 23 and 24 for the Urban Senior, Rural Junior and Rural Senior State Firefighting Championships), saw CFA brigades across the north-east of Victoria compete in six events.
For Mr Logie, it was his 15th year at the championships and 10th year coaching the Strathmerton team.
The competition events; the low down up and loader, wet hose and ladder, the tanker hose reel and ladder, dry hydrant event, tanker pump and prime, and the tanker drawing water from the tank; are each designed to replicate real-world scenarios.
The 2024 Strathmerton team comprised two senior teams and one junior team, including many second-generation competitors who have followed their parents into the CFA.
Leading up to the competition, the Strathmerton team practised using a replica trailer similar to the back of a fire truck.
The method of practice was clearly successful, as the 2024 competition saw the Strathmerton senior A team finish second in the dry hydrant event.
Mr Logie said the event was enjoyed by all.
“It was a great weekend,” he said.
“The weather was good and everyone enjoyed it.”
Though the Strathmerton teams battled hard for a win, for Mr Logie, victory was of secondary importance.
The first lieutenant of the Strathmerton CFA brigade and the Moira West group training co-ordinator believed the competition was a great opportunity to bond and ensure crucial skills remained sharp.
“Everything we do on the fire ground is represented in the competition,” Mr Logie said.
“The competition keeps up your skill and fitness and is another form of training.”
Mr Logie, who joined the CFA in 2006, knows all about the importance of training for real-life events.
His years in the CFA have seen him respond to crises in both Victoria and NSW.
“We were one of the first tankers during the 2014 Wunghnu fire, and we helped out in the floods in Numurkah and Nathalia in 2012,” Mr Logie said.
"I’ve also been involved in strike teams sent to NSW for the 2019-20 fires.”
Mr Logie said he hoped that the competition inspired junior team members to become active CFA firefighters.
“The competition is a lot of fun for them (the junior team members), and hopefully they will become active firefighters and do their firefighting course."
As for anyone considering joining the CFA Mr Logie said it was a great experience and gave members a sense of satisfaction helping others.
"Definitely do it,” he said.