Faces on the frontline: Aaron Mendham from Lake Cathie RFS

Aaron said being part of the brigade is like being part of a family. 

"When I moved from Sydney I didn't know anyone but I made friends quickly through being involved in the brigade," he said. 

"It's great knowing that in dangerous situations any of the members will have your back." 

Aaron can still recall the first time he was called out to a fire seven years ago on the North Shore. 

"I was part of the relief crew for the initial response crew," he said. 

"I remember being pretty nervous when I first saw the fire and then my training kicked in to tackle it."

As a volunteer for the RFS Aaron knows what it's like to be called to a fire in the middle of dinner or while at work. 

"Fires don't start after 5pm or before 9am, they just happen when they happen," he said. 

When Aaron's pager goes off he said it's a 'knee jerk' reaction to get down the station but as a single dad he prioritises time with his daughter above all else. 

Aaron said when people are called to a fire it's important for them to get to the incident in a safe manner. 

"I think the initial reaction is for people to try and get there as quick as they can, but you're no help if you can't get there safely in the first instance," he said. 

The Lake Cathie RFS deals with a range of fire incidents including bush fires, structural fires, car and truck fires. 

Aaron has moved up the ranks through a number of training courses and is now deputy captain for the brigade. 

Aaron said being part of the brigade is very rewarding. 

"It gives you a nice warm fuzzy feeling knowing that you have helped someone else out on what is probably their worse day," he said. 

The brigade's base is currently undergoing renovations to cater for its membership. 

There will be a new training and meeting room plus male and female change rooms. 

The Lake Cathie RFS currently has 42 members, of which nine are female. 

Aaron said it's great to see more females coming on board as volunteers with the service. 

For more information or if you are interested in joining the service please call the Port Macquarie-Hastings Fire Control Centre on 02 6588 9000 or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au