General News
7 July, 2024
Brigade ‘cheapest form of insurance’
LONG-time Fentons Creek Fire Brigade member Peter Coombes has praised the district community’s spirit at a medal presentation on Sunday. Peter was among members to be recognised for their service - from recent members notching up five years in the...
LONG-time Fentons Creek Fire Brigade member Peter Coombes has praised the district community’s spirit at a medal presentation on Sunday.
Peter was among members to be recognised for their service - from recent members notching up five years in the brigade to former captain Edwin Holt and retired secretary Eric Walker who have been in the brigade for more than 70 years,
He said every “little bit” of time given by members had given the brigade strength.
“And it’s the cheapest form of insurance we have,” he said after being presented with a 45-year service medal by the CFA’s Darren Crawford.
Mr Holt and Mr Walker unveiled an honour board that recognises exceptional service of members.
Mr Walker said the brigade had been formed 82 years ago, receiving its first tanker, a 1938 Dodge, in the 1950s. During the ceremony at Wedderburn Bowling Club, Tony Coombes unveiled a photographic tribute late member Lindsay Burge.
Current captain Brett Collins praised the service of long-time members. “They are great for guidance to our younger members.”
Five-year: Oscar Holt, Chris Hargreaves, Danny Fowles, Rachel Coombes, Louis Holt, Zoe Coombes. 10-year: Lachy McLean, Jacob Vanrenen, Sam Carroll, Jessica Higgins, Wal Sadler. 15-year: Alan Whitfield, Hellen Waltham, Brett Collins. 25-year: Irene Budge. 30-year: Christine Coombes, Stephen Finch, Leigh Passalick. 35-year: Hans Relecker, Chris Holt, Tony Coombes, . 40-year: Kerry Walker, David Glen, Alan Goullet. 45-year: Ralph Stephenson, Colleen Walker, Richard Stephenson, Neale Holt, Dale Stephenson, Tony Holt, Leigh Sutton, Peter Coombes,.
50-year: Geoff Collins. 55-year: William Rodger. 60-year: Barry Finch.
70-year: Eric Walker, Edwin Holt.