SA Firefighter

I know that they did look at sending sms instead of a paging system but the providers couldn't guarantee the timeframe for delivery..think about how often a sms takes forever to get to you sometimes...not ideal when we want brigades responding...hence, we have pagers...

We have many different people linked to the alerts system...not all officers...if someone doesn't pick up..including RO...SHQ picks up as well..nothing gets missed as far as I know...

I think that that would be a good practice for all brigades Bill...sometimes it can be the smallest thing that will tip someone over...or a cumulative effect..you are lucky to have a SPAM member in your brigade..

Angela
I don't believe it to be politically correct to reveal my age..
CFS
Greenpatch
Joined in 1987
Capt since 1997
Truck -  24
Station - recently reclad in green colourbond as it was scorched in Black Tuesday..single bay, no toilets (no scrub left to use either!)
Calls - 20ish..

Thankfully, the day I went to court was in the afternoon and only print media were present...then on Tuesday the cameras were there but we also had Gladstone and Beaconsfield...and I don't rate over them 

The local media are giving it the usual coverage...

http://www.portlincoln.yourguide.com.au/display.asp?class=news&subclass=local

Hi Guys,

I can give you an update...thanks for coming Darius..it has been good to see some friendly faces in the gallery.

so far I have completed my evidence in chief..conducted by counsel assist.  I would describe it like a boxing match...plenty of dodging, weaving and fending of punches...with the occasional punch given!  It is very tiring and if I was asked to describe it in a word...intense.

Unfortunately for me, proceedings hit a pothole late last week...my lawyer is also representing my DGO1 who was on before me...anyway, I recalled a conversation that we had..he doesn't..a conflict has occurred...my evidence has now been interupted...1 of us had to elect to find a new lawyer..he had to approve me continuing with ours, he didn't ...I now have a new lawyer and have to fly to Adelaide on Sat to brief her and hope to resume late next week and finish!

so...you all now have another opportunity to come and see the proceedings...as Darius said, it's easy to enter the court at any time.

Court usually commences at 10am..breaks at 11.30-12..then 1-2.15 and finishes at 4.30pm.  Doesn't sound like they sit much but believe me...when you are sitting in the box concentrating so fiercely...you are glad to stop occasionally.

Wendy Shirley, Jill Scott, Trudy Whelan and Ray Dowd have been doing an outstanding job of providing support for me and making sure my social calender is full in the evenings..

Hope to see some of you... I will post as soon as I know more..

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I won't be able to access the internet next week...so any contact with me, will need to be via my mobile..or I'll see you in court!   

hi guys,

You have all probably seen the articles in the Advertiser in the last week.

They couldn't be further from the truth...and any reference to a Capt being in charge is about me..the DGO on the stand is my mentor and has great faith in my abilities..

Bring on next week..can't wait to see what headliners the media can find in my testimony!

Still looking at Monday 8th @ 2.15pm at Coroner's Court, 302 King William St.

You are both right but I've been a firey for 19 years and this is the first time it's happened (first for any CFS vollie I think), so the chances aren't high (thank goodness!)of it happening.

Rescue you are right..it's not just been officers that have been called ..it's just that more pressure and expectations fall on the shoulders of the officers or those in IMT.

BUT if the process was taken out of the Coroner's Court as it's been recommended in the COAG report...it wouldn't be this ugly or wasted time spent on educating the lawyers on how we work.

I would gladly catch up with you all for a few beers and swap war stories...or at least listen someone else's for a change!  There is a pub about 2 doors down from where I will be staying..can't remember the name, near cnr Pultney and Angas.

I have been advised by my lawyer to submit a supplementary statement..basically, write a really long story about everything so that the other lawyers can't ask me about it..and we can say it's on Page ? paragraph ? ...great idea but means I have to relive the whole experience again..oh, and have it done by next week!

The only advice I can give any of you..if you EVER do IMT..make sure you take notes and give lots of specific details in the paperwork!

Should be interesting to see what they say when I get to the Coroner's Court...FEMALE firefighter as IC?? whatever next.. 

May 8 @ 2.15pm at Coroner's Court, which is on 302 King William St.

This date and time is now quite firm (well as firm as I've ever seen it in this process)

I have been told to expect to be on the stand for at least 3 days.

If anyone decides to come and take a look at me being pummeled by the lawyers...I unfortunately, am unable to speak to you at any point during the day.

As a witness, we are prohibited to speak to anyone who may be seen to be coaching or giving advice, as a result, they don't allow us to talk to anyone but the SPAM team.  Our lawyer isn't allowed to say much to us once we on the stand either.

I will know that you are there but can't do much more than that - BUT I will be appreciative of your support. 

May 8 in Adelaide at 2.15pm was the last information I was given...this date and time seems to be firming as a definite.

The witness prior to me can only appear next week because his lawyer is only available then.

They are talking about the Federal Court in 3 Angas St.

Will keep you all posted.

NOW it's getting scary...it's actually getting close!