The Scoresby resident, 33, gets out of bed because he is a controller for the Waverley State Emergency Service. He looks after the safety of 38 members and ensures they respond to calls as soon as possible.

Mr Haitidis says he cannot imagine doing anything else.

"Everyone loves their sleep and everyone enjoys spending time with their family, but it's what we do and what we love to do," he said.

His team, the Waverley SES, is looking for up to 20 more members who share the same passion of wanting to help those in emergencies.

But the faint of heart need not apply: being part of the Victorian SES is a round-the-clock job.

"We're on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."

The Waverley crew is one of the busiest units in the state and runs three teams. Potential recruits will be trained by local members for about 3? months before being assessed by the SES's central office. "We're very strict on training because safety is our first priority on whatever job we do," Mr Haitidis said.

Members of the Waverley unit can often be found removing trees from the road or climbing on roofs. They also lend a hand to Victoria Police.

"When there's a missing person we'll assist and search for that person or if there's been a crime committed we might search for a weapon," Mr Haitidis said.

SES members include students and retirees. They also have a particular interest in people who can be available for their day teams.

Prospective applicants have to be over 18 and willing to undergo a police check. Details: ses.vic.gov.au