Katamatite is set to welcome a new CFA captain with 30-year veteran Jason Millington taking over the reins in early July for a two-year term.
Mr Millington has been at the Katamatite CFA station for the past four years but is no stranger to the region.
“I started in Merrigum fire brigade where I did 11 years. Then I went to Cobram fire brigade where I was third and first lieutenant,” Mr Millington said.
As captain at Katamatite, Mr Millington will be overseeing the brigade and ensuring it is run to the highest standards possible as well as being the main point of contact for the community.
Along with his official duties, Mr Millington has his own personal goal as captain which is to bring back the spirit of the pre-pandemic years.
“Since COVID it has made the companionship a bit harder. I want to get it back to where it was. The camaraderie before COVID was quite strong.”
Asked what it feels like to be promoted to captain, Mr Millington said it was a good feeling but admitted to being a bit nervous.
He was also thankful to his predecessors, including the soon-to-be-former captain John Parnell and his captains in Cobram Adrian and Mick Hidler, John Sullivan and Les Balsour.
Mr Parnell in return wished the soon-to-be captain the best of luck.
“Jason has been in leadership roles for quite some time. I feel very comfortable handing over the reins to Jason,” Mr Parnell said.
“I’m wishing that Jason’s tenure as incoming captain is very fruitful and joyful.”
Mr Millington said the best part about being in the CFA was being able to give back to the local community and he urged anyone thinking about joining to give it a shot.
“Come down and meet us, we’re are always open to new members and our main role is to be there for the community.”