Pieter Leon Jordaan (59), or ”Jorrie” as he is affectionately known, is a shift commander in the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services.
As a firefighter, medic and chaplain he is a familiar face at the scene of an emergency.
Jorrie lives in Brenthurst with his wife, Ina (58), to whom he has been married for 38 years. They have a son, Hennie (36), and are grandparents to Nardus (10), Heinrich (7) and Willea (2). Jorrie has worked in emergency services for 33 years.
• What are your duties?
As part of an emergency medical team, a little bit of everything, from fires to accident scenes, to community education and awareness.
I’m also part of the Life Glynnwood Hospital’s trauma team.
I work in the hospital’s ICU and Casualty departments after work.
I assist with emotional support for the family of victims.
• What do you like most about your job?
Working with people.
I’m definitely a people person.
• What don’t you like about your job?
Grass fires.
They take a lot of work to put out.
• What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Anything involving aviation, like air shows.
I’m crazy about flying.
I can’t fly (pilot), but I have my medical crew flight-wings.
• What is your favourite holiday destination?
Australia, my son and grandchildren live there – we last visited in December.
I also enjoy going to the coast.
• Name three things you couldn’t live without:
My wife, coffee and working with people.
• What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Put a smile on somebody’s face every day – that’s my motto.
