A passion for protecting others

*The Basin CFA *
Kind. Big-hearted. Generous.

Firefighter Allan Small has been a selfless volunteer for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for more than 50 years, and it's all thanks to his love for his wife and her family.

Allan's brothers-in-law wasted no time in recruiting him to join the local fire brigade when he started courting their sister in the 1960s.

Over the past 53 years, other CFA volunteers in The Basin have become like family to Allan; and keeping people safe has become his passion. Allan is proud that his three sons have also volunteered as firefighters.

"It gets in the blood," he says.

"It's about protecting our own. Not only where I live but right across Victoria and to New South Wales and South Australia. That's where we've been fighting fires over the years."

Always generous with his time, Allan participates in community safety programs, including a fire-safe program for children at local primary schools and kindergartens.

He still attends fires and takes great heart in being able to mentor new members, children and teens in the junior firefighter program.

"Over all of my years in this fire brigade, none of our juniors has ever got into problems in the community," he says.

"I reckon that's really something great."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Basin CFA will use its grant to set up a digital training facility for volunteers.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here