Hendrik aims to inspire the younger generation

Hendrik Adriaan van Heerden shares his experiences as a serving firefighter for 36 years to date.

He is described by the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson William Ntladi as a loyal, respectful member of the force serving with dignity and laughter.

As his retirement approach, Hendrik hopes to inspire the next generation of first responders.

He said he knew he always wanted to be a firefighter.

“Firefighters came to my primary school. They inspired me to become one of them. As I grew up the desire grew stronger in me,” said Hendrik.

“I first worked in construction and served in the army for two years. I joined the fire department soon thereafter. I knew that firefighters train a lot so I was prepared,” he said.

“I started in Primrose. I had guys that I looked up to and through the years they were promoted,” said Hendrik.
He served three years in Primrose before he moved to Germiston after getting married.

He got divorced after three years and later remarried the mother of his two children.

“My children live in Cape Town. They keep on nagging me to go on pension,” laughed Hendrik.

He said anyone can grab a hose and extinguish a fire but not everyone can be a firefighter.

“Being a firefighter has to be a calling. You have to be disciplined and always crave new information,” said Hendrik.

“Different companies use different chemicals. In a case where there is a fire, it’s a must to know the chemicals. We must know how those chemicals will react to the water,” he said.

“Our lives are in constant danger, sometimes even from the public when they close off fire hydrants with concrete or built pavement over the entry point,” said Hendrik.

He said there are scenes he would not forget but they are not all heartbreaking.

“When I started in Primrose there was a factory fire we attended and it was gruesome. I remember one time we attended a call and it was towards Christmas time. The patient was diabetic and his sugar was low. To see that patient survive was incredible. It’s an experience that gives me goosebumps till today,” said Hendrik.

“As firefighters, we can only do as much,” he said.

“I’ve been on rescue missions. The adrenaline when a call comes through is exciting,” said Hendrik.

He said younger first responders have to know that training is a necessity in this line of duty.

“You have to physical exercise and attend courses offered by the department. YouTube videos help as well to gain experience,” said Hendrik.

“The community is part of us. We do get appreciated by it at times. At Christmas there is an organisation that comes to the station and offers us a treat as a sign of appreciation,” he said.

“Attending schools and receiving chocolates from the children is a blessing,” said Hendrik.

“I remember when I started in Primrose they said I’ll be responsible for taking care of the fire truck tyres. I polished them and the inspector later came and he said asked who did the tyres. I was so proud to respond by saying it was me. He said what about the tracks. Everyone laughed at me,” said Hendrik.

“Everything had to be spotless. Every morning we had an inspection and we had to always look neat. Punishment was due. They would extend your control room duties at most,” he said.

“Knowing each other’s capabilities is key as firefighters. Going out we need to know we got each other’s back. Lucky for me in my career I was never injured on duty,” said Hendrik.

He said when the time to retire comes he will miss his job and colleagues the most.

“Though sometimes they make you cross it’s exciting to know that when you go out they have your back,” said Hendrik.

“The younger guys don’t like training but they know it must be done. The nice thing today is that we can meet and socialise with other fighters within the city.

“Back in the day we only had six people attending a call. It was scary to attend a big fire. Now we can call other stations for reinforcements,” said Hendrik.

He is also a priest serving under the Old Anglican Church.