Billy Derksen’s story is one of adrenaline, survival and rebuilding life after the storm. Raised in Western Sydney, motorbikes were more than just a hobby — they were part of the family. While school wasn’t where his focus sat, racing was. Billy travelled up and down Australia’s east coast chasing the thrill of competition and making a name for himself in the racing world, until a long list of injuries eventually forced him to step away.

Looking for a new purpose, he joined the NSW Fire Service as a volunteer before turning that passion into a career as a full-time firefighter. But the job would test him in ways few people could imagine. During his service, Billy survived two near-death situations while battling bushfires — one ending with a rescue helicopter extraction and another with his crew forced into life-saving emergency procedures inside their fire truck.

The aftermath of those experiences changed everything. Diagnosed with PTSD and medically discharged from the service, Billy and his family made the move to Brisbane in search of a fresh start. Even away from the front line, the battles didn’t stop. Through dark periods, professional support and rebuilding himself piece by piece, Billy found his way back.

Today, he’s thriving in a new career, is a devoted husband and father of three, and still carries a passion for the service that shaped him — with hopes of one day returning in a training role to help prepare the next generation. A story of survival, identity, and finding purpose again after everything changes.

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