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Sharnte Butler

from Kitchen hand (bakery) to Station Officer
I'm in charge of a shift at a fire station
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • How I went from an auxiliary firefighter to career firefighter
  • Why I chose firefighting as a profession
  • What training I had to do to become a firefighter

About me

  • Regional Background

I had wanted to become a firefighter since I was a child! At the age of 17, I knocked on the door of the local fire station. This station was auxiliary firefighters (on call in small communities), and I was told that I was too young! With that in mind, I found a fulltime management role with McDonalds. At the age of 18, I knocked back on that door and started my fire service journey. At the age of 22, I became a Lieutenant, and found a passion for training within Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (SES Volunteers). At 24, I applied for a permanent, fulltime career firefighter position. Since then, I have worked my way through the ranks to become a Station Officer

About my role

  • Daring
  • Humorous
  • Innovative
  • Passionate
  • Spontaneous

Station officers are in charge of emergency incidents, their crews and their fire trucks. When we are not attending emergencies, we are making sure the community is safe in other ways by checking our trucks, our equipment, delivering fire education programs, completing training and having fun!

Education

  • Certificate IV Public Safety (Firefighting Operations)
  • Certificate IV Training and Assessment
  • Officer Development Program successful completion

Subjects

  • Art
  • Biology
  • English
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Physical Education

Awards

  • Assistant Commissioner Certificate of Appreciation - Regional Rescue Competition
  • Officer of the year - 2017 Moreton Bay Region
  • National Emergency Medal - Ex TC Debbie
  • Assistant Commissioner Certificate of Appreciation - 2022 Flood event
  • Champion of Change - International Womens Day awards
  • QFES Medal

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Gym
  • Paddle boarding
  • Rock climbing
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel

Pets

  • 2 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Stay focused on your own pathway and follow your passion!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. At 17, I was told I was too young to work at the local fire station.
  2. Stepped into a management role at McDonald’s
  3. At 18, I tried the fire service again and began my journey
  4. At 24, I officially launched my career as a firefighter
  5. Worked my way up to a station officer

My typical day

My employer

At the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), we’re proud to protect and serve communities across the state - responding to emergencies, managing disasters, and leading fire prevention efforts. Formerly known as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), QFD was established in 2024 to strengthen our state’s emergency response and disaster resilience through reform and innovation. Our people are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone belongs and thrives. If you’re driven by purpose and looking to grow in a career that supports Queenslanders when it matters most, QFD could be the place for you. Our values: respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust - guide everything we do.