Bedfordale Volunteer fire brigade cadet Lachlan Bormolin at the brigade’s headquarters last week.
Camera IconBedfordale Volunteer fire brigade cadet Lachlan Bormolin at the brigade’s headquarters last week. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

15yo Bedfordale fire cadet wins volunteering award

Tim SlaterComment News

A PASSION to help the community and become a firefighter has led to 15-year-old Bedfordale cadet Lachlan Bormolini receiving a state award for his efforts.

Lachlan was the winner of the CWA of WA’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award last month.

“I was pretty excited to receive the award,” he said.

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He joined the bushfire cadets in Roleystone when he was 12 years old and transferred to the Bedfordale brigade in 2014 because it was closer to home.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firey so I came down here and saw what the guys did and then I joined up,” he said.

“It’s like a family down here and we all help each other out and do the same jobs.”

Although he cannot fight fires until he is 17, Lachlan spends up to 10 hours a week at the brigade’s station carrying out a range of tasks including cleaning, social activities, training, maintenance, communications and cooking.

He has also been helping out with prescribed burns and dressed up as the club’s mascot, Bushy Bear.

In May, he was part of a team of volunteers that took part in a 12km run wearing full firefighting gear to raise awareness for Fibromylagia research.

Lachlan is a Year 10 student at Lumen Christi College in Martin and encouraged other young people to get involved in volunteering to help the community.

Bedfordale brigade captain Michael Hall said Lachlan was one of the brigade’s most active members and it was good to see him receive the award.

“He definitely does put in a fair few hours down here and he is here every Monday and Friday night and once a month for the brigade’s main meeting,” Mr Hall said.

“He is a role model for young people to get involved in the community and it would be good to see a few more youngsters get involved.”

The brigade’s senior communications officer Veronica Hall said Lachlan has formed strong relationships with members and their families

“He is always willing to assist our brigade families, ensuring their safety and providing a happy and fun environment,” Ms Hall said.