Q- Why did you join the SES?
I used to be member of the Metropolitan Police Force (volunteer Police Officer) when I lived in the UK. I loved that 'job' and took immense satisfaction from it, and on moving to Perth in 2002 I found the SES as being the closest thing to match that. Also, I am a real fidget and can never sit still for more than a few moments so I always need something slightly 'different' to get my teeth into. After Ian Lush retired in December 2006, Jim took on the role of Local Manager, and I accepted the position of Deputy LM.

Q- Why do you like being an SES member?
Every callout is different. Some are typical, some are challenging, some are even fun.......??

Q- What makes you come along to training week after week?
We are members of a team, and "volunteer" or not, a team cannot operate without its members. Training is vital if we are to remain operational and safe when attending callouts. In todays society, attending regular training is becoming more of a necessity than previously. However, as a unit we work hard to try to make Wednesday nights interesting for the regular members. Whilst we are limited in what we can do on a Wednesday night, we still throw the odd spanner into the works so you never know quite what Eno or Matt may have planned.

Q- Give an example of your best memory/experience with the SES.
The storms of May 2005, because the aftermath of these were my first real taste of the incredible power that tornadoes can exert upon our property and possessions. Walking through a family home which had been virtually destroyed and then seeing the children in tears trying to salvage their favourite toys really put in perspective how lucky we are, and how helping out after these sorts of events is just so essential. The sense of community sprit was also awesome, the whole street rallied around to help us in our tasks, with rounds of tea, biscuits and even sugar lumps (anything to help keep our energy up was good) being brought out to us well into the early hours of the morning.

Q- If you have had an embarrassing moment, share the experience.
Did I tell you about the one stormy night that we were on the roof of this house and I was operating the 'wand' (a chainsaw on an extendable pole) at high level resting on my chest bones, and I smelt this burning, to find that my hi-viz vest had melted and started to catch fire? Ok... well we will leave that one for now.

Q- Goals for yourself, and / or the Unit?
To work with Jim and the team to continue to make Northshore a better place, seeking new initiatives to gain and maintain new members, to improve the social aspect of the unit, and to make our families and partners more involved with what we do.

Q- Write a paragraph about yourself.
I'm originally from the UK. Met my wife (Anna) in London. Anna is a Peth girl, and I moved here in 2002. W e married in March 2003, and now live in Mosman Park. We became proud parents to our son Sam, who was born in September 2008. I work in the city for a development company, and enjoy gardening and DIY.

My motto? If it ain't broke, then break it, just so I can have a go at fixing it.