Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Berwick Fire Brigade celebrated a century of service at a special brigade dinner and awards ceremony at the Berwick Fire Station, last Saturday night (27 June).
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM joined members past and present to recognise the brigade’s contribution to the local community, welcomed new recruits and toasted the last 100 years.
Berwick Captain Craig Sanderson said the centenary was an opportunity to reflect on the brigade’s history and the volunteers who have shaped it.
“Reaching 100 years is a really rewarding milestone and a chance to reflect on everything the brigade has achieved over the past century,” Craig said.
“We’ve evolved from a small local brigade into one of the busiest volunteer brigades in the state, responding to more than 800 incidents last year while maintaining an outstanding level of service to our community.
“It’s the result of generations of volunteers giving their time, skills and commitment to serving others.”
The evening also featured the official unveiling of the brigade’s restored Buick vehicle, which has been under restoration for the past two years.
“The Buick was one of the main reasons we wanted to hold the event at the station,” Craig said.
“Our members have spent a long time restoring it and we were proud to officially unveil it.
“It’s a tangible link to the brigade’s history and a reminder of the generations of volunteers who came before us.”
Over its 100-year history, Berwick Fire Brigade has responded to some of Victoria’s most significant emergencies, including the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, the Longford gas plant explosion and fire, and the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
More recently, the brigade helped shape the joint CFA and Ambulance Victoria Fire Medical Response program, becoming one of 50 CFA brigades capable of providing lifesaving medical assistance alongside paramedics.
Craig said the brigade has continued to grow and adapt alongside the changing Berwick community over the years.
“Our membership is more diverse than ever before and reflects the community we serve,” Craig said.
“We’re always looking for new members and there is a role for people from all backgrounds, whether they want to respond to emergencies or support the brigade in other ways.”
You can learn more about becoming a CFA volunteer at cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers.
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
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