Meet the Pococks: Three generations giving back with determination
The Pocock family have a long history of volunteering with emergency services.
And three generations of Pocock men have each found their volunteering niche at St John WA.
John, 73, works with Community Transport Services (CTS), Dave, 48, in Country Ambulance and Rhys, 18, with Event Health Services (EHS).
It was Dave who convinced son, Rhys, and his father, John, to take the plunge with St John and lend their time, too.
Dave has been a Volunteer Ambulance Officer for more than 10 years, with his work spanning the state from Port Hedland to Mount Barker, and now Pinjarra.
He loves being able to work alongside paramedics and other volunteers like him.
Dave has been so inspired by his volunteering experiences, and his personal commitment to increase his skills to help the community, he’s now making the leap into paramedicine.
Rhys and John believe his future profession and current volunteering roles suit Dave to a tee.
“With Dad’s background as an electrician, he’s meticulous,” Rhys said.
“He makes sure everything is safe.
“He is also incredibly empathetic – he really gets down on your level to understand an issue.”
John and Rhys also bring essential qualities to their roles.
Pilot trainer John’s quiet, calming nature is a reassuring presence for the people he’s driving to and from vital medical appointments in his CTS role.
“I’ve never seen Pa lose his cool – there’s a confidence in his calm,” Rhys said.
“He’s an introvert and he can listen,” Dave said.
“He’s taught me over the years to take a breath and evaluate things.”
The youngest Pocock, Rhys, is ready to step out and make a difference in the world.
According to his dad, he won’t stop until he succeeds.
“He’s determined, so he will pursue something and push his own understanding to be able to do it better,” Dave said.
“And as a volunteer, you need to be on top of your game.”
Rhys is looking to step into his father’s footsteps by pursuing a paramedicine role in the Australian Army.
He hopes his work with EHS will give him the taste he needs to make some big decisions about his career.
With his volunteer training now complete, Rhys will be spending Father’s Day doing his first ever shift with the team, providing essential first aid support at a junior football match in Kelmscott.
Naturally Dave gave his blessing for Rhys to take on the shift.
“I’m all for it. There could be kids or people at this event that don’t have a father figure and then they see a role model like Rhys in uniform,” he said.
“[He is] young, caring and supportive.”
The three men will share some quality time together as soon as they can to trade stories from their shifts and learn from each other – likely over a go-kart race or a big family lunch at John’s place.
As for the future, they’re excited to see where their respective journeys with St John WA will take them next.
Inspired by the Pocock family? Volunteer with St John WA today.