Burdekin lad Brayden Arroita fulfils childhood dream of firefighting

At age three, Brayden Arroita told his parents he wanted to be a firefighter. Now, after taking a leap of faith, he’s living that childhood dream in the Burdekin. Read about his inspiring journey.

Ayr auxiliary firefighter Brayden Arroita. Picture: Supplied

Burdekin’s own Brayden Arroita, 21, is proof that childhood dreams can come true.

From the tender age of three, Brayden was captivated by the idea of becoming a firefighter, and now, just 15 months into his role as an auxiliary firefighter in Ayr, he’s living that dream every day.

Balancing a full-time job as a cabinet maker with the demands of being an on-call firefighter, Brayden has embraced both the challenges and the rewards that come with his dual roles.

“I love both my jobs,” he said. “It’s good because I get to interact with people in different ways in both my roles.”

Brayden’s journey toward firefighting began when he was just a toddler, enchanted by the idea of battling blazes and helping those in need.

“It all started back when I was three years old,” Brayden recalled. “I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. It was just a dream.”

That dream was put to the test last year when Brayden joined a team of local firefighters who flew down to Tara to help combat the fierce bushfires that ravaged the region.

Ayr auxiliary firefighters Brayden Arroita and Bruce Smith. Picture: Supplied

He said the experience was both challenging and rewarding, solidifying his commitment to the job.

“It was very different from up here but no, it was great, especially getting to experience that camaraderie, and the people you were working with who were all there to do one job,” he said.

Born in Townsville and raised in the Burdekin region, Brayden’s role as a firefighter has allowed him to serve and give back to the community that shaped him.

Now, he’s eager to see more locals join the firefighting ranks, particularly as the Ayr station is actively encouraging new recruits.

Brayden believes that becoming an auxiliary firefighter is more than just a job — it’s a unique opportunity for personal growth.

“I’d say, take the leap of faith, because the sky’s the limit in this job, and the progression is amazing,” he said.

“It’s helped me mature and see parts of myself that I never thought I’d see before.”

Originally published as Burdekin lad Brayden Arroita fulfils childhood dream of firefighting