Ekurhuleni firefighter celebrates 10 years on the frontline

Wadeville Fire Station firefighter Trevor Mongwe marked 10 years of service in emergency services on April 1, a month before International Firefighters’ Day, observed annually on May 4.

As May is also recognised as Firefighting Month, Mongwe reflected on his journey, growth and commitment to serving communities during emergencies.

The former Cladelton International College learner in Germiston CBD said he is proud to be part of a new generation of firefighters bringing fresh ideas, energy and a new mindset to the profession.

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Mongwe said his passion for emergency services started in high school, when he would hear emergency sirens and wonder what it would be like to be among those responding to calls. That curiosity later became a career path.

In 2006, he studied towards his basic ambulance assistant qualification at De Vries Ambulance Academy. His career continued to develop when he completed Fire 1 and Fire 2 training at the Leon Ferreira Fire Station and Training Centre in Boksburg.

In 2014, he joined Thokoza Fire Station as a reservist. Two years later, he was permanently employed and deployed to Palm Ridge Fire Station.

A turning point in his career came when a senior encouraged him to continue studying and developing his skills.

Motivated by this, he obtained his Code 14 driver’s licence in 2017.

In 2018, he enrolled at Lebone College of Emergency Care, where he studied towards his intermediate life support qualification, also known as an ambulance emergency assistant.

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The qualification bridges the gap between basic life support and advanced life support.

Through dedication and hard work, Mongwe later became a supervisor in the city’s ambulance department.

In 2019, he expanded his skills by completing a technical rescue technician course, which prepared him for high-risk operations such as high-angle rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue and structural collapse extrication.

Mongwe said his journey has been shaped by discipline, learning and a strong desire to serve. He believes firefighters and emergency responders play a vital role in society, often assisting people during their most difficult moments.

As he celebrates a decade of service, Mongwe hopes his journey will inspire young people to pursue careers in emergency services, noting that the profession requires commitment, courage and continuous learning, but is also deeply rewarding.

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Due to Covid-19 and the provincialisation of ambulance services in Gauteng, Mongwe’s ambulance qualifications were no longer utilised at the municipal level, limiting him to fire response duties.

However, this did not discourage him. Instead, it motivated him to further his studies.

He later obtained a qualification in fire and rescue, specialising in fire pump and aerial apparatus, which enabled him to become a certified emergency vehicle and fire engine operator in 2021.

In 2022, Mongwe was transferred to the Wadeville Fire Station, where he is stationed.

While serving there, he enrolled at the Tshwane University of Technology to study towards a diploma in fire technology, which he completed last year.

He is also currently in his second year of advanced medical rescue studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Reflecting on his experience, Mongwe said the job is not easy, as emergency responders are regularly exposed to traumatic and life-threatening situations.

He recalled one of his most memorable incidents while still a reservist, when he responded to a multiple vehicle accident while travelling from Thelle Mogoerane Hospital to Thokoza Fire Station.

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“Recalling the pictures of the scene made it clear that this job is not for the faint-hearted. Because of the culture and knowledge of the elders in the force, I quickly learned how to cope with everyday situations.

“I was only 24 years old at the time. I learned from those before me how to deal with trauma. What I witnessed that day was graphic, to say the least,” said Mongwe.

Despite difficult scenes, Mongwe said there are also deeply rewarding moments in the profession.
He said one of the most fulfilling experiences is assisting in childbirth during emergencies.

“The most rewarding part of this journey is bringing life into this world. I always say I have many children out there,” he said.

“Being able to help a mother deliver a baby, wrap the newborn and safely transport them to the hospital is very rewarding.”

He added that emergency responders often see immediate results from their interventions.

“Attending to a patient with low blood sugar, administering dextrose and seeing them regain consciousness almost immediately is very rewarding. Your intervention is seen instantly, and you often become the family’s hero,” he said.

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Mongwe also addressed misconceptions about firefighters, saying they are often seen as superheroes who can respond instantly to every call.

He said while firefighters strive to respond quickly, the public does not always understand the realities of emergency response.

“When residents call, they expect an immediate response. There is also no way a fire engine can leave a station without water, so claims that fire engines arrive without water must be addressed,” he said.

He added that residents also need a better understanding of emergency systems and infrastructure challenges, including vandalised or inaccessible fire hydrants.

Mongwe recalled a difficult incident in Thokoza where firefighters responded to a residential fire and faced hostility from a distressed resident.

“When we arrived, one resident tried to manhandle me, but the community intervened. I understood his frustration; he had watched his home burn to the ground,” he said.

He stressed the importance of respect and awareness when interacting with emergency personnel.
He said awareness is also needed around road discipline, particularly the misuse of emergency lanes, which places additional pressure on responders.

Speaking about International Firefighters’ Day, Mongwe said it is an important occasion that recognises the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters.

“The day is to honour firefighters. While May 4 is the focal point, the entire month is dedicated to fire safety, community awareness and recognising both career and volunteer firefighters worldwide,” he said.

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“Even though we suit up every day, we are not guaranteed a return home.”

Mongwe also highlighted the importance of career progression within the fire service, saying it creates opportunities similar to those in other uniformed services.

He serves as the acting shift manager for Charlie Shift.

He explained that his team begins each shift with a handover from the previous crew, followed by drills, equipment checks and confirmation of readiness before remaining on standby for emergencies.

Mongwe said continuous training and fitness are essential, as firefighters must be physically prepared for the demands of the job.