In a major achievement, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighter, Matilda Taylor, has been appointed Deputy Captain at Toukley Fire Station, on the state’s central coast, at just 21 years of age.
Matilda’s promotion sees her share the role alongside Deputy Captain, Brooke Hayes, who has been in the role for 18-months. It also cements Matilda as one of the youngest people to achieve the rank of Deputy Captain at FRNSW, and certainly the youngest to do so at Toukley Fire Station.
Various leadership opportunities
Matilda joined FRNSW in 2021 as an 18-year-old firefighter, taking on various leadership
Matilda joined FRNSW in 2021 as an 18-year-old firefighter, taking on various leadership opportunities along the way. Toukley Captain, Ben Williams, has praised Matilda for her positive attitude and willingness to take on new opportunities.
“In such a short time, Matilda has really grown and matured into a capable firefighter and now station pioneer,” Captain Williams said.
More responsibilities
Williams added: “She just kept putting her hand up for more and more responsibilities, which she thrives off, and has taken on every opportunity that’s come her way."
“Matilda is fast becoming a mentor to those around her and is already seen by her peers as a capable incident controller.”
Taylor's leadership role
Taylor is excited by the prospect of taking on more of a leadership role at the station
Deputy Captain Taylor is excited by the prospect of taking on more of a leadership role at the station. “It’s a privilege and a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” Deputy Captain Taylor said.
“Most of my crew are older than me and have a lot more life experience than I do, but they make me feel so supported and just want to see me do well. “I’m excited to learn as much as possible so I can better support my community." She added that a highlight of her work as an On-Call Firefighter is being able to make her community feel safe.
Recruiting for firefighters
“Our community is really tight-knit, so knowing that I can help someone that I might know, and even make their day is something that drives me. Seeing Brooke, another female firefighter, thriving as Deputy Captain was a real motivation for me and made me believe that I could do it too.
It’s the team’s hope that other young women will be encouraged to apply to become a firefighter after seeing strong local women leading the way. “We’re currently recruiting for firefighters to join the team and welcome any interest or questions from the community,” Captain Williams said.
