A Q&A with Montrose CFA’s James Gluskie

James Gluskie has been a member of Montrose CFA for over 10 years.

1. What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m a pretty open book so there isn’t much people don’t know about me, but a fun fact about me is I used to play the trombone in about 5 of my high schools jazz bands.

2. Why and when did you join the CFA?

I joined in 2010. Ever since I was three years old I had the classic young child’s dream of being a firefighter. One year my family was at a festival and we found out about the junior program CFA offered, and every year on my birthday I would ask my mum if I was old enough to join. Then the week after my 11th birthday I joined up, and the rest is history.

3. What do you enjoy most about your role and being a part of the CFA?

It’s a challenge to pick out just one thing, but I would have to say it’s the amazing people I get to interact with, be it from my own brigade, other emergency services or regular people.

4. What have been some of your most memorable moments with the CFA? Why?

One of the stand out moments for me would be when I was deployed up into NSW during the black summer campaign fires for a week. We were sitting down to have some lunch on the side of a road, and inside some of our lunch packs were handwritten notes from some people in the community, just to say ‘thank you’ for travelling all the way up to help some strangers. The note is still pinned to my wall today, and it’s a nice reminder of why I chose to be a part of CFA.

5. What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

Hands down it has to be all the hidden gems scattered around. The hidden walking tracks, secret lookout spots, stunning photo opportunities. You can go to the exact same location every day and there is always something new to discover.

6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

It’s pretty far-fetched, but I would have loved to be able to witness the formation of the earth overtime.

7. Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

My Nan and Pah, and then my mum and sister. I never got to meet my Pah, and I would love a chance to meet him, see my Nan again and then just enjoy a nice meal with them and my family.

8. Who do you admire the most?

My amazing mum, without a doubt. She has always been a strong supporter of me being apart of the CFA, driving me to callouts before I got my licence, driving me halfway across the state for competitions with the CFA competition teams, the sleepless nights when I race out the door in the middle of the night. She’s just amazing.

9. What are some of your hobbies?

When I manage to find some free time I enjoy teaching myself music on the guitar, relaxing in the sunshine, or spending time out with my family and friends.

10. What is your favourite book and/or film?

I don’t really have a favourite book or movie, I enjoy each one in a different way. In saying that, the Harry potter books and movies are always enjoyable, as is anything involving The Avengers, because what’s not to love about super powers!