General News
25 May, 2024
Phil hands over chief's helmet
RHEOLA Fire Brigade has a new captain for the first time in more than two decades. Phil Vernon stepped down from the position after 22 years at Sunday’s annual meeting of the brigade. A CFA volunteer for more than 40 years, Mr Vernon will continue...
RHEOLA Fire Brigade has a new captain for the first time in more than two decades.
Phil Vernon stepped down from the position after 22 years at Sunday’s annual meeting of the brigade.
A CFA volunteer for more than 40 years, Mr Vernon will continue as second lieutenant under new captain John Leach.
He said the brigade hoped to have a new station to house its fire-fighting vehicles.
“We have been trying for years to have the tin shed replaced ... we’re told we’re not on the list,” Mr Vernon said.
“We have done a lot of work for a new shed and it has been the brigade that raised funds for a second tanker and a quick-fill pump trailer.
“And two years ago we formed our junior brigade to build a future for our great crew. There were almost 30 members at the meeting on Sunday.”
Mr Vernon, who is also deputy group officer for the Loddon South group covering brigades in the district said it had been an “honour and privilege to have been elected captain”.
“I joined the Rheola brigade in 1982, just a couple of years after moving to the district,” Mr Vernon said. “All the brigades in the area work well together.”
Also elected as brigade lieutenants were Tony Soulsby, Mark Soulsby and Dale McCoy. Secretary-treasurer is again Zandra Grattan-Lynch.