WARRNAMBOOL SES has put the call out for more volunteers.
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Unit controller Giorgio Palmeri said there were 30 volunteers on the books but more were needed.
Mr Palmeri, who has been with the SES for five years, said he joined after witnessing firsthand the work of the group.
He recounted being a passenger on a train which had collided with a car.
“People had died and the SES and other emergency services attended,” he said.
“They were really good with the people on the train. It was amazing to watch.”
Mr Palmeri said call-outs were mostly for storm and flood work, but they also attended road rescues, assisted police at crime scenes and with search and rescues.
He said volunteers completed state-based courses including getting boat and truck licences and abseiling courses.
“Volunteers have to be proficient and professional,” he said. “The Warrnambool group is made up 50/50 of men and women. We will be going into winter when we do storms and floods and we need more people on hand.”
Mr Palmeri said the group trained once a week for two hours and the work was rewarding.
“It’s a good way to meet new people and a good way to do something for the community.
“Every time I think of getting another job I need to know there is an SES unit nearby to join.”
Tomorrow night, the SES will practice a road rescue in preparation for a competition in Geelong next month.
The volunteer recruitment night will be held tomorrow at the Warrnambool SES headquarters at 40 Walsh Road.
For more information contact the recruitment officer on 0409 417 908.