The Warrnambool Fire Brigade has a captain for the first time in almost 60 years.
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Tom Woodhams, 31, was elected into the role recently and presented with his captain's helmet on Thursday.
He said he was delighted to be elected and was looking forward to working with the brigade's two commanders - Greg Kinross for Fire Rescue Victoria and Rob Howell for the CFA.
"It's a bit of an honour really, given we haven't had a captain for so long," Mr Woodhams said.
He has been a volunteer firefighter for 16 years, first starting at the Mortlake Fire Brigade.
Mr Woodhams said volunteering was in his blood, with his dad Allan captain of the brigade in the past.
"Like most volunteers, there is a family connection," he said.
He now volunteers with the Warrnambool Fire Brigade and has fought fires in other areas of the state most summers.
Mr Woodhams, who lives in Warrnambool with his wife Fiona and their two daughters, Baille, 5, and Georgia, 2, said his role was rewarding.
He said his wife was supportive, with the role involving a lot of call outs and meetings.
"It's a great chance to give back to the community," he said.
The role of captain was reintroduced when Fire Rescue Victoria was introduced on July 1.
Previously the highest role held by a volunteer was 1st Lieutenant, while the officer in charge role was held by a career staff member.
CFA Warrnambool commander Rob Howell said Mr Woodhams would hold the position for two years.
Fire Rescue Victoria Warrnambool commander Greg Kinross said he was looking forward to continuing to work with Mr Woodhams.
"It's an excellent choice," Mr Kinross said.
South-west residents have also been urged to have a fire plan in place, despite indications of a 'normal' fire season.
CFA acting chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said as one of the world's most bushfire-prone areas, even a normal fire season in Victoria presents a high risk to communities.
"Grassfires travel faster than you can run and they jump highways, so you need to activate your fire plan on those high risk days before a fire starts."
Victorian Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said Fire Rescue Victoria would bring together career firefighters from CFA and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade under one organisation to lead fire services in metropolitan Melbourne and major regional centres across the state.
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