General News
21 October, 2024
Names of legends emblazoned on brigade’s trucks
TWO legends of the Inglewood Fire Brigade were given special honours when volunteers celebrated 160 years of service on Saturday night. Former captain Brian Rodwell and retired lieutenant Joe Watts saw the brigade’s two trucks named Roddy and...
TWO legends of the Inglewood Fire Brigade were given special honours when volunteers celebrated 160 years of service on Saturday night.
Former captain Brian Rodwell and retired lieutenant Joe Watts saw the brigade’s two trucks named Roddy and Wattsy.
The unveiling of truck names came at the start of an evening where centuries of service by current brigade members was marked with the presentation of service medals.
Mr Rodwell and Mr Watts received 40 and 50-year medals and also cut the birthday cake.
And there was a third honour for the veteran pair. The “Twinks” Lyndon award, not presented since before COVID was given to Mr Rodwell for 2020 and Mr Watts for 2021.
Mr Lyndon, who had served as captain during his illustrious career with the brigade, died last year. His widow Patsy presented his framed CFA medals to current captain and son-in-law Andrew Smith during the anniversary dinner at Inglewood Golf Club.
Mr Smith, who received a 15-year medal, also announced Elissa Wilson as the 2022 Lyndon award recipient, David Dowler for 2023 and current secretary Sharon Williams for this year.
Mr Dowler passed away suddenly last year and the award, along with a 30-year medal was accepted by his family.
Service awards ranged from five-year certificates to a 50-year medal presented to Geoff Wilson.
Members of Loddon South group brigades joined Inglewood members and CFA representatives, including board member Beth Davidson at the dinner.
Mr Smith spoke of the brigade’s history: “In 1861, it was suggested the town should form a fire brigade. It was not until November 1862, however, that a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel and it was decided that a book be placed there for people interested in becoming members of the brigade to put their names in.
“By December 1862, the book had 36 names – about the same number of members as we have today.
“Unfortunately, the very next day, almost the entire town was burnt to the ground
“Eventually the Inglewood fire brigade was formed on May 18, 1864”
Mrs Davidson said community safety was her passion and thanked brigade volunteers for their service since 1864.
She said that while the CFA had an increasingly tight budget, the aim was to have resources in the field to support volunteers.
“The CFA is the largest volunteer firefighting agency in the world,” she said.
Mrs Davidson spoke of her connection to the area with her great-great-grandfather in Inglewood in the early 1860s, a few years before the brigade was formed, moving to the Kingower and Kurting districts.