Inspector Vladimir Bohdan (pictured) is the smiling face of the Rural Fire Service in Braidwood, which is part of the Lake George Zone.

The RFS is comprised of 2,094 brigades and has a total volunteer membership of approximately 69,300.

Inspector Bohdan is always on the lookout for new recruits to the ranks of volunteers. The process is perceived as much more complicated since the NSW RFS was established by an Act of Parliament, on September 1, 1997. Previously known as the NSW Bush Fire Brigades, which had been around for 100 years.

The RFS works closely with the NSW Fire Brigades, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests who, between them, cover about 10 per cent of the State.

Inspector Bohdan says there are ten steps to becoming a volunteer starting with 'The decision'.

Step 2 Complete all "essential" information on the application form.

Step 3 You are interviewed. The interview covers expectations of volunteering and volunteers. You will be asked to provide 100 points of identification.

Step 4 Criminal History Records Check.

Step 5 Processing the Application: takes 21 days.

Step 6 If successful, the Service advises you by letter within 7 days of the decision, and you should pass this to the relevant brigade Captain.

Step 7 Probationary Membership. The brigade accepts you as a probationary member for 6 months.

Step 8 Training and Assessment.

Step 9 Brigade Endorsement.

Step 10 Active Membership.

If you wish to become an active firefighter it is a requirement that you be trained. An active member is one who is an ordinary member and ‘regularly participates' in training sessions, meetings, hazard reductions, working bees, fire fighting and is available for fire calls.