MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On International Firefighters Day on 4 May, a firefighter of 29 years, Marshal Plaatjies, stepped into his new role as the Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services' station commander.
Plaatjies' firefighting career at the Mossel Bay Fire Services officially started on 4 September 1997, however, this veteran's work within the community began during his high school years when he was a learner of Sao Bras High School.
It was that passion for helping the community that ultimately led him to become a firefighter.
Plaatjies told Mossel Bay Advertiser before he became a firefighter, he did some seasonal work as a beach constable for the Mossel Bay Municipality during the school holidays for three years, and after that, he did some security work for the municipality, also during the holidays.
After matriculating, he volunteered as a firefighter for eight months before he applied to be a cadet firefighter.
He said one of the most memorable call-outs he had attended in his 29 years as a firefighter, was for a motor vehicle accident in a remote area several years ago.
"When we reached the scene, the parents were trapped inside the vehicle, and their child was sitting outside alone. One of my colleagues went to attend to the child while the rest of us attended to the trapped occupants," said Plaatjies.
Marshal Plaatjies at the Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services Station. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
"The child became so relaxed that he started to relieve himself on my colleague, and he did not want to let go of him until they reached the hospital. That was when I realised what a difference this profession can make in someone's life," he said.
"The feeling of being able to help and assist someone in need, and knowing that you can make a difference in someone's life, is something that stays with you."
When asked how he felt about his new position, Plaatjies said it is a new opportunity to assist the community and keep it safe.
"There will be challenges, but fortunately for me, I had a good mentor in Kobus van der Mescht. He then left me in the hands of two great supervisors and mentors in the form of Chief Fire Officer Joseph Johnston and Station Commander Wayne Sternsdorf, from whom I have already learnt a lot and from whom I am still learning.
"To the youth, I would like to say: never stop following your dreams. Equip yourself with knowledge. It may seem like there are no opportunities, but things can happen very fast, and when they do, make sure that you are ready to take them with both hands."
Plaatjies also has a message for the Mossel Bay community: "We are here to assist and advise. Our doors are always open to help with any fire safety matters. We are here to serve you as a community, to the best of our abilities."
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