Firing up a family connection

Emma Pritchard

When Scott Purnell joined Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station six years ago, it ignited his daughter Teah’s passion to follow her dreams and become a firefighter too.

As they work alongside each other, assisting locals in need and helping to keep the Clarence Valley community safe, they also reflect on their special relationship and their unwavering commitment to their jobs.

“I’m so proud of her,” Mr Purnell said.

“She has worked really hard to achieve her goal of becoming a firefighter.

“She’s always been very focused, and she did extremely well during her training.

“She’s very engaged, and it’s great to have her on board.

“She’s doing a fantastic job.”

After previously participating in the Fire and Rescue NSW Work Experience Program which allowed her to gain a valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a fire station and the skills required of professional firefighters, Teah was officially welcomed as the newest recruit at Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station last month and has already assisted in several call outs, the first one occurring less than 40 minutes after her first on call shift began.

And her dad was right there beside her.

“It was a community assistance operation,” Teah recalled.

“An older man was concerned that his oven wasn’t working properly, so we went along to help him out.

“The first job I did was with dad, which was very cool, and we made a few jokes and had a bit of fun together, but it was really good because I wanted my first job as a firefighter to be with him and it was.

“The job is a hundred percent more than I thought it would be, and its full-on work, but I’m loving every minute of it.”

After recently completing an eight-day training program in Sydney where she further developed her firefighting skills, Teah said she feels at home being part of the Grafton crew, describing it as a very inclusive and welcoming environment with a family atmosphere.

“It’s a great place to work,” she said.

“And I love working with my dad.”

Mr Purnell said Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station currently has positions available, and Teah is strongly encouraging other teenagers and young adults to consider pursuing a career as a firefighter and apply.

She is also encouraging interested participants to sign up for the Fire and Rescue NSW Work Experience Program, which is open to Year 10, 11 and 12 students.

“It’s paid work, and it’s incredibly rewarding,” Mr Purnell said.