Susanna Freymark
For six years Paul Cowles was on the frontline of emergencies as a volunteer with the Casino Rescue Squad.
Yesterday, Monday, February 5, was the first day in his new role as region operations manager with VRA Rescue NSW.
It is a full-time paid job and new for the rescue organisation which has four positions across the state.
Mr Cowles covers operations from Taree to Tweed Heads.
His first job was out at the collision on Summerland Way near Kyogle.
“First day on the job and I jumped straight on the tools,” Mr Cowles said.
His role won’t always be hands-on at the scene of a rescue.
“It’s more about coordination. My job is to liaise with other agencies.”
He said the leaders of the SES, RFS, and individual captains of the brigades all worked well together.
His main job, he said, would be to work with the volunteers.
Mr Cowles will have an office in Casino where he will work to cover the region when he isn’t out in the field.
At the Casino VRA Rescue Squad, captain Russell Heatley will be assisted by Wade Porter as the new senior deputy captain and Eathan McDonald as deputy captain.
Mr Cowles was previously senior deputy captain.
Are you interested in joining VRA Rescue NSW? Find out how to volunteer here.
