Catherine McAllister has been a part of the Avenel brigade for six years.
She started as a brigade member and has worked her way through the ranks.
Ms McAllister said she was lucky to have a great brigade to support her as captain.
“I always grew up with the notion that if you can help by volunteering, you should give it a go,” she said.
“Small country communities like ours thrive off volunteer groups. If everyone does their own little bit, it makes for a great community.”
Ms McAllister saw the brigade was looking for a secretary and joined, with no intention of going out with the truck.
But as she went on more jobs, she developed a love for it.
She also said she hoped to bring younger recruits into the team.
“We are an ageing brigade, with many hoping to hang up the boots soon, so it would be fantastic to get a few more up-and-coming members,” she said.
Alongside being the first woman captain at Avenel, she is also a single mother of two children and works full-time as an administrative assistant.
14°C