As they often say in television, no two days are the same and this was certainly the case for Lord Murray Schoorman on Thursday 5 September 2024 when he, along with several other prominent Victorians, were invited by Fire Rescue Victoria to take part in their special “Fire Ops 101” course at their purpose-built state of the art training academy in Craigieburn.
Each year, Fire Rescue Victoria select several prominent Victorian’s and high-profile celebrities to spend a day in the life of a typical FRV firefighter.
Whilst there are lots of photographers in Melbourne, FRV management went straight to the top, as world famous celebrity photographer, Lord Murray Schoorman of Peak Hour Images was head-hunted due to his extensive media experience and high profile within the Victorian community combined with his wide personal networks ranging from political, government, media all the way through to business leaders and local traders in various regions of the state.
Alongside Lord Murray Schoorman was the likes of Prof. Georgina Long AO (Australian of the Year 2024), Todd Harper AM, Georgie Crozier MP, Tom McIntosh MP, Cath Evans, GAICD, Sharon Whitehead and Allan Raskall
Together these prominent Victorian’s took part in a money-can’t-buy and once in a lifetime experience. The day commenced with a formal and very detailed welcome from Ed Starinskas who is the Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Fire Rescue Victoria, followed by a full fit out of structure turnout gear complete with instructions on how to don and doff breathing apparatus (BA) and their very own customised Rosenbauer helmet.
Once dressed to impress, the group were “buddied” with their personal ‘friend-for-the-day’ who were experienced firefighters from around the state. This buddy would tail them every step of the way for the entire day, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times. In the case of Lord Murray, due to his high calibre status, he was afforded with not one but two buddies for the day – Leading Firefighter Simone BATE and Leading Firefighter Alex PANDIK.
Working through real life scenarios, the participants were hands-on with building fires, car accident rescues, Urban Search and Rescues (USAR), Emergency Medical Responses (EMR), High Angle Rescues (HART), Hazardous Materials Responses (HAZMAT) and large scale and protracted incidents in the form of an oil refinery fire involving the FRV drone (RPAS) and multi-agency response.
Specialist equipment used included the Oxygen Resuscitator which is used by EMR responders to administer oxygen if and when appropriate while Ambulance Victoria crews are still en-route. 
Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) which is a handheld device primarily used to check for fire extension in wall cavities and in ceilings, but also aids in finding seats of the fire and navigating in the dark when conducting searches etc.
Seismic detectors which are battery powered acoustic listening systems, packed in a kit of six inside a pelican case together with their monitor and headsets, magnetic attachments, cables etc. These are used by USAR crews to locate any signs of life under collapsed building or cave rubble.
Combination Tool and Cutters by Holmatro which are hydraulic tools used by rescue crews to manipulate motor vehicle bodies to allow access for Ambulance Victoria crews to complete primary surveys and stabilisation and then later extraction of trapped patients.
We are pleased to confirm that Lord Murray successfully completed all of the scenarios and later that afternoon joined his other alumni in a graduation ceremony at FRV academy headquarters.
Speaking exclusively to the Toorak Times, Lord Murray Schoorman said “This was a fantastic high-level experience of dipping one’s toe in the water to what our Fire Rescue Victoria crews do each and every day. In an often thankless job, fire crews put their own welfare at risk and more needs to be done to ensure they are looked after better. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my buddies Leading Firefighter Simone BATE and Leading Firefighter Alex PANDIK for their amazing support on the day”
DISCLOSURE: Lord Murray SCHOORMAN is a qualified firefighter with over 17 years experience.
Photos & Videos supplied by Fire Rescue Victoria Media Department for #FRVFireOps101
