Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Award recipients from left, Carolyn Archibold, Will Archibold, Vicki Pell, Col Wilson, Adam Gordon, Dave Gordon
Undera Fire Brigade members, along with family and friends, recently came together to recognise and celebrate the service of several of its members.
Special guests included former brigade members, neighbouring brigade members and District 22 Commander Rohan Taylor, who presented the awards on behalf of CFA.
Awards presented on the night (17 April) included 5-year certificates to firefighters Vicki Pell, Carolyn Archibold and 3rd Lieutenant Will Archibold.
Col Wilson, Adam Gordon and Dave Gordon received 20, 30 and 55-year service awards respectively.
While presenting the awards, Commander Taylor noted that although the honours are worn by members, their families should also feel proud – recognising that their support and commitment to CFA and community are as equally acknowledged.
In a special tribute, posthumous brigade life membership was awarded to ex member Ray Dealy who passed away earlier this year. The award was presented to Ray’s wife Jenny by ex-captain Dave Gordon, in recognition of Ray’s 40 years of service to the Undera Fire Brigade.
Firefighter and Ex Captain Stewart Pell, a stalwart of the Brigade and local community, was unfortunately unable to attend the dinner to receive his 50-year service award due to ill health.
Given the significance of the award, members of Undera and neighbouring Mooroopna brigade along with some of Stewart’s family and friends visited the Goulburn Valley Hospital in Shepparton to acknowledge his service through the presentation of the award and CFA life membership.
Instrumental in organising this important celebration, current Captain Brandan Reilly and grandson of Strewart, spoke highly of his dedication and is proud to be continuing in his footsteps.
Our sincere thanks go to GV Health for allowing our tanker to be parked where it was clearly visible from Stewart’s window during the presentation – a gesture that meant a great deal and reflected the immense pride he held in the truck and all it represents.
| Submitted by | Dan Jones, Undera Fire Brigade |
|---|