A wealth of experience

Mr Cook works for Quik Corp Fire Engineering, who builds and supply fire trucks for the Queensland Rural Fire Service, and recently finished 19 new trucks.

His involvement in the rural fire service came about close to 20 years ago through his communication support role with the State Emergency Service.

“Back in my early days with SES I was doing radio support for those guys [rural fire service] and I was doing that much radio support I thought, ‘I might as well join them,’ so I did,” he said.

Mr Cook said much of his role as first officer was organisational as well as making sure the brigade was operationally ready and organising controlled burns. He is also the local fire warden and writes fire permits for landowners.

A motorbike accident 21 and a half years ago led to the amputation of his right arm however Mr Cook said it had not stopped him from volunteering in the rural fire service.

“Whilst it can be frustrating to not have two hands I have found it hasn’t really held me back on a lot of stuff,” he said.

“It’s about how you plan how you do things and process it in your mind.

“It is a disability but for me, it’s not, there are plenty of people in the world who are worse off them I am.”

Mr Cook said to be voted the brigade leader by his team was a humbling experience.

“Everyone in our particular brigade is brilliant to work with and their support is fantastic,” he said.

“It’s a marvellous team who get together to put out fires and look after our community.”