CFA Firefighter of the future

Raj's a firey of the future
Kate Jones
24 September 2009
Herald-Sun

RAJ Faour isn't your stereotypical firefighter. He's Muslim, speaks multiple dialects of Arabic and is
second-generation Lebanese.
The CFA does not keep records of volunteers' ethnic background or religion, but in five years of
volunteering Raj has never met another Lebanese or Muslim firefighter.
``I'm not your typical firefighter,'' he said.
``It's a predominantly Anglo type of scene, with some people from an Italian background.''
But the 28-year-old has found his heritage can be a handy advantage, particularly in the Hallam fire
brigade.
``Hallam is multicultural and it helps that I can speak many dialects of Arabic: Sudanese, Egyptian and
Lebanese,'' Mr Faour said.
This advantage was useful at a recent car smash in Endeavour Hills involving an elderly couple. Mr
Faour was able to calm the trapped Arabic-speaking woman and explain how the firefighters were
working to free her.
``As soon as they understood I spoke Arabic, they both had this look of relief on their faces,'' he said.
However, Mr Faour said volunteering was a new concept in his cultural circle.
Family and friends, many from countries where nothing comes free, cannot understand why anyone
would perform unpaid work.
He hopes attitudes will soon change.
``People still don't understand why I give my time for free. They look at me like there's something wrong
with me. They think, `This guy's weird','' Mr Faour said.
``I'm on my own little battle, starting with my family and branching out into the community to get the
volunteering message out.''
Mr Faour's dreams of being a firefighter were born when he was in grade 1 at Coburg Primary School.
``The local fire brigade came and I got to hold the hose, put on the hat and get in the truck,'' he said.
Mr Faour, who works as an assessor for an environmental company, now hopes to become a full-time
CFA firefighter.
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