By Pam Kiriakidis
BROADFORD Fire Brigade gathered for an awards presentation night to thank volunteers for a combined Country Fire Authority service of 550 years and announce funding for a key piece of firefighting equipment.
CFA captain Jamie Duffy said the biennial awards night was to recognise members, and for the brigade to socialise after a few years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We haven’t had one for a few years due to COVID, so the brigade enjoyed coming together with our community partners and distinguished guests,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to our next awards dinner because that will be our 90-year celebration.”
Shaun Bastow and Dom McCarthy were both presented with national emergency medals, and brigade life membership went to Robert Coote, Barry Withers, Graeme Luckie and Jay Martin, while CFA life membership were awarded to Ken and Sally Wearmouth, and Steven Upton.
On the night, 11 brigade members received five-year award certificates; seven received 10-year medals; six received a 15-year medal; one received a 20-year medal; four received a 25-year medal; three received a 30-year medal; two received a 35-year medal; and two a 40-year medal.
The recipients were presented in front of CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan, as well as several politicians and councillors.
A highlight of the night was the naming of a pumper after former captain Alan McDougall, who served for more than 30 years at Broadford CFA.

Mr Heffernan also announced a grant for Broadford CFA, on behalf of the State Government, to upgrade their equipment and facilities.
Broadford CFA obtained the grant of $50,000 to help purchase a new breathing apparatus support vehicle, which will extend the brigade’s assistance, both within the district and outside of the area during major structural fires.
Mr Duffy said the grant would improve service at Broadford CFA, allowing members to practise their technique with new equipment, and provide more air cylinders.
“Most trucks have only two cylinders on them, so if it’s a major fire they need replacing straight away, so we’ll be able to respond with changeover cylinders, instead of relying on brigades from metropolitan Melbourne to help,” he said.
“It will also be good for brigade members because they will receive additional training to provide breathing apparatus sector management skills should incidents require it.”