Volunteer firefighters play a vital role in keeping communities safe, and in Perth, Jeff Dean has been answering that call for more than two decades.
Dean, a volunteer firefighter, driver operator, and training facilitator with the Perth Fire Department, says volunteering has allowed him to give back to the community he calls home while working alongside a close-knit team.
Dean says his decision to volunteer was shaped early on by his family’s strong connection to community service, and that motivation has only grown over time.
Like many volunteer firefighters, Dean balances the role alongside a full-time career and family life. He explains that no two days are ever the same, with emergency calls coming at any hour.
When a pager goes off, Dean says firefighters must be ready to respond quickly, whether they are at work, at home, or asleep in the middle of the night. That unpredictability is why volunteer firefighters commit to extensive training year-round.
Dean notes that volunteer fire services are especially important in smaller communities like Perth, where firefighters live and work locally, allowing for fast response times and professional service.
He adds that the diverse backgrounds of volunteer firefighters — from skilled tradespeople to nurses — strengthen the department’s ability to problem-solve during emergencies.
Reflecting on his years of service, Dean says the most meaningful moments are when he and his team are able to support someone during a difficult time.
He encourages anyone considering volunteering to speak with current firefighters to better understand the commitment and the rewards.
Dean says while the role comes with challenges, the benefits — both personally and for the community — far outweigh them.
