STATE Emergency Service Moree has proven they’re the best in the north west in emergency response time, after they smashed a snap drill in record time on Thursday night.
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“The call came in at 6.50pm that a rescue boat was to be set up and ready for deployment at 7.30pm. The team had everything ready at 7.32pm. That’s an admirable result,” SES learning and development officer Wesley Macpherson said.
The snap drill was organised as a surprise for the local SES volunteers to test their response time to an emergency situation.
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“The SES volunteers are only at Moree headquarters for a couple of hours on Thursday. For the rest of the week, they’re on call 24/7. They have to be ready for anything, at any time of the day and when they least expect it,” Wes said.
The team of 10 SES volunteers had to drop what they were doing after they received a fictitious call from the police about a missing person. The unit scrambled to the boat ramp at Bank Street and were expected to set up a rescue boat for deployment in the span of 40 minutes.
“They were divided into two teams. One group was responsible for setting up the five-metre high light tower while the other one prepared the boat,” Wes said.
SES unit commander Jo Williams said, “Moree community can be rest assured that in similar emergency situations, the town has qualified and experienced operators who are trained and ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
While Jo was pleased with the result, she reminded the public that SES is always on the hunt for fresh recruits.
“If you are over the age of 16 and hold an Australian citizenship, we’ve got a job for you. Whether it’s driving boats, putting up lights or working in administration.”
Add logistics, maintenance, mechanics and leadership to the list and there’s a role for everyone.
For anyone interested in a volunteer role, contact NSW SES on the volunteer information line 1800 201 000, or head to their website.