Lawrence said his journey to becoming a member of the team came about in quite an unusual way.
He was recruited by the local brigade while dressed in a uniform of a very different kind.
Capt Walsh was Finley’s answer for Santa Clause when the annual Lion’s Xmas Xtravaganza rolled around.
One year, Santa’s chariot was one of the local fire trucks.
And from a conversation with the chauffeuring ‘elves’, Capt Walsh was well on his way to signing up.
The paperwork was in hand as quickly as he was out of his costume.
“I have now been with the Fire + Rescue since October 2017,” he said.
Besides bringing joy as Santa, being a funeral director for Berriquin Funerals and being a firefighter, Capt Walsh also likes to “put my feet up, and spend time with the family and kids” in his spare time - not that there is too much of that with all his roles.
Capt Walsh’s journey from Xtravaganza Santa Clause to Finley brigade captain is indicative of the good things that can happen if you volunteer.
And Capt Walsh said he would certainly encourage others to do so.
“Do it, join up,” he said.
“It’s exciting, it’s interesting and you’re helping out.”
If you’re interested in becoming a firefighter, talk to your local brigade members or go to www.fire.nsw.gov.au for more details.
18°C