By CASEY NEILL
Dandenong Fire Brigade has flatly denied simmering tensions between paid and volunteer firefighters.
On Tuesday 14 June, a volunteer from another CFA crew told Jon Faine on ABC radio that Dandenong’s paid members were telling volunteers to get off the trucks at callouts, refusing to ride with them.
He alleged the hostility stemmed from aspects of the controversial new EBA proposed for professional firefighters, specifically concerns on Union power over the CFA.
Dandenong Fire Station officer-in-charge Paul Carrigg said the accusation of aggression was “totally non-factual”.
“The Dandenong Fire Brigade has continued to operate as an integrated CFA fire brigade,” he said.
“Volunteers respond on the same appliances as career staff and work as a team at incidents.
“It is sad that incorrect information is being forwarded to media outlets by people with malicious intent.”
Dandenong First Lieutenant Joe Aitkin declined to comment.
“I don’t want to inflame the situation,” he said.
On its Facebook page, Springvale Fire Brigade said it had been serving the community for close to 100 years and had evolved and grown as a crew.
“This growth means that brigade members – career and volunteer firefighters – work as one. As one united, strong and resilient brigade,” the post said.
“Our differences make us stronger.
“Our core objective of keeping community safe is our one true goal.
“Springvale is stronger than ever, thanks to the amazing people who are dedicated to our mission.
“Career and volunteer members working together. As one. Always.”
In response, Shayne Egan said that whenever he thought of his time at Springvale, “the most enduring memory is the relationship between career and volunteer firefighters”.
“It is by far the best example of integration CFA has,” he said.
