As the grandson of the Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade Captain, George Calleja, he has inherited his family’s passion for serving the community.

“He’s been around the fire brigade since he was born,” George said.

A video on the Country Fire Authority District 20 Facebook page has shown just how knowledgeable Aiden has become.

In it, the seven-year-old is wearing his grandfather’s firefighting jacket and helmet.

Referring to himself as ‘Captain Aiden,’ he runs through the radio communications to manage a fictional grass and scrub fire at Mitiamo Road.

From the initial call-out to returning to the fire station, Aiden has an answer to every one of his grandfather’s queries.

George said running through various scenarios was a favourite pastime for himself and Aiden.

“He’s with me a lot and, being captain, I’m here quite a bit,” George said.

“He’s got his own little radio so he listens.”

Not only does Aiden listen – George said his grandson was eager to learn. 

The seven-year-old wasn’t afraid to ask questions of his ‘pa’, and subsequently knew his way around the station and the many, technical elements within as well as any of the brigade’s members.

“He’s just a pretty smart, switched-on kid,” George said.

It will be another nine years before Aiden can put his skills into practice by joining the CFA.

While George said he would always be proud of his grandson, he was particularly thrilled by the idea of a third generation of firefighter in the family.

It has been 27 years since George joined.

His children have followed in his footsteps, having been similarly fascinated by firefighting when they were young.

They include Nicole Calleja, Leigh Calleja and Steven Calleja (Aiden’s dad).

George said his grandson’s knowledge was proof that a person could achieve anything if they were interested enough.