Firefighter accomplishes his dream

The Dainfern community came together to assist a young firefighter with funds to enrol at a rescue training academy.

Hoërskool Randburg alumnus Dean Swanepoel started his firefighting journey when he was in Grade 12 last year, volunteering at private-owned fire station, Fire Ops.

With the dream of being a firefighter growing more and more each day, he was appointed in a permanent position at the station after he completed his Grade 12 year. However, getting to that part of his life proved a tough one.

He was in need of funding to complete a six-phase course at Pro Ethnos Fire and Rescue Training Academy based in Mpumalanga after his family was set back financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Residents and community members reached out to donate to Dean for him to complete the course. Dean expressed gratitude to all those who assisted him to fullfil his dream. “Because I have a big passion for firefighting, it wasn’t difficult to make time when I was in Grade 12 with schoolwork and volunteering.

“This time, working and doing the course was not easy, but I made the best of it, and I really enjoyed it. Now that it’s complete, I just feel so good about having my qualifications,” he said.

He was approached by Head of security at Dainfern Peet Trollip, who he knew the situation Dean and his family were in, approached Bags of Love founder and Dainfern resident Susan Harwood.

Harwood said, “I knew that Dainfern has enough heart to pull together and give them a hand-up, but little did I know that the call-out I posted on our residents’ page on Facebook would generate more than double the amount required for Dean’s studies. I am very proud to be part of this generous community which time and time again comes together to help others in need.

“We are all very proud of Dean and are delighted that we have been instrumental in making his dream come true.”

Captain at Fire Ops and Dean’s father, Rudi, expressed immense pride in his son for finishing and passing his courses.

Rudi said, “I pushed him with the training, and he did quite well. He currently works only one shift here at the station. For now, we are just waiting for his results to come out.”

Dean concluded, “I hope to come as far as possible in this fire service, and to one day become a good leader and teach the newer guys coming into what I know.”