By NARELLE COULTER
DANDENONG Fire Brigade celebrated 120 years of service to the community at its annual dinner on Saturday 13 September.
The brigade was formed on 8 October 1893 to protect a population of little more than 1000 residents and operated from a small reel house station on the corner of Clow and Cleeland streets.
The first volunteers, who were paid five shillings a year, were issued with little more than a cap and a belt and were summoned to an emergency by a bell.
Those within earshot would make their way to the station, collect the fire hose reel and hastily make their way to the fire.
It wasn’t until 1926 that Dandenong acquired its first motorised pump.
A larger fire station was built in 1910, which was eventually replaced with a brick fire station with a station keeper’s premises in 1930.
Today the brigade boasts 40 staff and 36 volunteers and is eagerly anticipating the completion of a new $13 million state-of-the-art station north of the current station on Princes Highway.
It is the most active brigade in the state, responding to 2287 calls in 2013/14.
The 120th dinner was a chance for the brigade to honour some of its most dedicated volunteers.
Stalwart and brigade secretary Mel Chappel was presented with a 30-year service award as well as the VFBV (Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria) gold star recognising 30 years of distinguished service. (See story on page 55).
Officer in charge Paul Carrigg praised Mr Chappel for his dedication to the CFA saying a 30-year award represented a “very, very big effort”.
“You are there every day of the week looking after the administration side of things.”
Senior station officer Rick Owen was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his role during the Black Saturday bushfires and Don Wilkie received a commendation award for his work during the Morwell mine fire.
Five year service awards were presented to Luke Chilton and Wayne McKeig.
Ten year service awards went to Hayley Logan, Rachel Rendall, Chung Wai, Damien McLean, Stuart Radley and Trevor Sharman.
James Moore, Michael Toogood and Adam Small received 20 year service awards.
National medals for 15 years of outstanding service went to Michael Toogood, James Moore, Richard Hill and Josh Redfern.
Trevor Sharman was named Fire Fighter of the Year and Chung Wai received the staff encouragement award.
Mr Carrigg said while the awards recognised individual effort and dedication, supportive families should not be forgotten.
“These awards are for your families as well.
“It is important you go out and buy a gift for your partners tonight.”
