20 / 20 - Get to Know "John Tasker"

1.    When did you join The Montrose Fire Brigade? Thursday 1983, Due to the extreme conditions and fire activity on Ash Wednesday 1983, I rang the Montrose CFA to see if I could join and volunteer my services guess what? They accepted me!

2.    What do you do for work? Production Superintendent at Kenworth Trucks (34 years), managing approx. 1/3 of the plant, (two supervisors who are my direct reports), and about 80 shop floor operators.

3.    What's your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Listening to Music (Hendrix, Clapton, Metallica, Cocker, Stones) Fishing, Travelling, Cooking and trying different recipes for my Family and Friends, (that includes Rob and Veronica)

4.    What chore at the Fire Station do you dislike the most? I would have to say the workshop, it doesn't matter what you do with it, it still looks the same!

5.    What is your favorite form of exercise? Mowing the lawns, It's like a bad hair day (for those with Hair) before you start "what a mess" but when it's finished WOW!

6.    If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do for the remaining time? Make sure that I had the latest VFBV minutes to pass onto the Brigade!

7.    What would be "your" best skill that you use at the Fire Station? Observe and assist, do not interfere, but advise where needed.

8.    If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? Future - To see that the Montrose Fire Brigade continues to be the Bench mark for all other Brigades, and that we have grandchildren (for Julie's sake). Past - Never to see the events of Black Saturday repeated.

9.    If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay for the new brigade shed!

10.   Has there ever been a funny moment on the fire ground? There has been a few, ex member Steve Wright, front mounted pump operator at a house fire (see me for details). For more funnies. Speak to Greg Barry, commonly known a *&%$ Lips at the community playground event, once again see me!

11.   Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Nigel Mansel, Hale and Pace, John Tasker

12.   When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Look for Recipes and fill in this questionnaire

13.   Who will be Fire-Fighter of the year 2012? To easy, me

14.   What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? The Body Guard, Ghost, Black Velvet , Christmas Carol, How Green is my Valley, best of all Dumb and Dumber!

15.   What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt on the fire ground?  People under pressure react differently, work together reassure each other and "Settle" at the end of the day "do what you can with the knowledge you have" and don't be afraid to ask for help, sorry the answer to the question, do not rush in, way things up, size up, RECEO. etc

16.   Without looking do you know the Rego of Montrose Pumper? If the front door wasn't so close to the bumper I would tell you!

17.   What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Seeing and Saying goodbye to our friend and fellow firefighter Dean Martin at Christmas, Gone but not forgotten.

18.   What's your favorite item to eat in a ration pack? The bag it comes in!

19.   What is something you learned in the last week? Jenson Button is faster than Mark Webber

20.   What is your most memorable Fire Brigade Moment? (Apart from attending major fire's over the years), Receiving the National Medal, I felt truly honored to receive such a prestigious award.