By ALESHA CAPONE
MOST of us run for cover when a severe storm approaches but Simon Hetherton is a man who can be relied on when lightning strikes.
The 31-year-old has devoted the past decade to helping residents as a volunteer with the Altona unit of the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES).
Mr Hetherton recently received his 10-year Long Service Medal from the SES.
“What I enjoy is the camaraderie and giving back to the community at times of need,” he said.
“Also a lot of the training you wouldn’t get elsewhere in life.
“I do it not for the praise – which is good, don’t get me wrong – but because I like to go out and help the community.”
SES members often help clear fallen trees from elderly people’s driveways, sandbag properties at risk of flooding, help police preserve crime scenes and repair or patch up damaged storm-damaged roofs.
Mr Hetherton also serves a unit deputy officer and deputy controller of training with the Altona SES.
In addition to organising the entire unit’s training calendar every year, he answers calls for assistance from SES headquarters.
Mr Hetherton said he was inspired by his father – who was a member of the Footscray SES – to join the State Emergency Service. His brother is also a member of the Northcote SES Unit.
“It seems to be in our genes,” Mr Hetherton said.
Mr Hetherton said his wife also joined the SES after he was called to out to a few incidents. She served in the Altona SES for around six years before she gave birth to their son.
Mr Hetherton is a nominee for the Star Volunteer of the Year Award. Each week a different volunteer will be profiled and a winner of the inaugural award will be announced 8 January next year. Do you know a worthy volunteer? Please send details to star@starnewsgroup.com.au.
