Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
The Selby Fire Brigade celebrated a major milestone last Saturday 28 March, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service with brigade members past and present.
Selby Fire Brigade Captain Ian Lewis, who has been a member of the brigade for 11 years and Captain for 5 of those, said the celebration captured the spirit and commitment of the brigade.
“We are really excited about reaching one hundred years and it’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated and resilient group of people,” Ian said.
“The brigade wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of every member who has walked through our doors over the past century.
“Where we are today is thanks to the dedication of all our members, whether out on the frontline or working behind the scenes.”
Selby Fire Brigade was born out of a need for an organised fire service in the community in 1926, following the devastating Mount Dandenong fires.
In the brigade’s formative years, firefighters operated out of a simple shed and fought fires with beaters, rakes and buckets.
Since then, Selby has transitioned from using manual equipment to operating as a modern brigade with two firefighting tankers and one slip on unit.
“In the early days, there were no reticulated water systems in the town, so crews had to rely on whatever water they could access,” Ian said.
“You hear the stories from long time members and realise just how different it was.
“The job hasn’t changed, but the way we do it certainly has.
“While the brigade we know today may be more advanced than the original brigade, the same core mission of protecting our community remains the same.”
Selby Fire Brigade has been at the frontline of many major incidents locally, including 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and have supported statewide deployments.
More recently, the brigade sent strike teams to assist with the Longwood bushfires.
As the brigade heads into the next 100 years, the focus remains on supporting and protecting the community.
“It’s great to see Selby Fire Brigade in the strong position it is in going into its next 100 years,” Ian said.
“At the end of the day, we just hope to keep turning out when the community needs us most.”
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
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