Members, guests and family members of the Kingston Fire Brigade celebrated 790 years of volunteer service on Monday night (9 December) at the brigade’s Service Award Presentation and Dinner hosted at the Creswick Bowling Club.
Anne Hives accepted Brigade Life Membership on behalf of Alan Hives
The CFA awards were presented by District 15 Acting Operations Manager Chris Bigham and West Region Assistant Chief Officer Peter O’Keefe.
Four brigade Life Memberships were announced by ex-Captain Bill Miles and presented to ex-Captain and Birch Group Officer Alan Hives (who was interstate and unfortunately could not attend), John McKinnon, Garry McKinnon and Geoff May.
Only seven Life Memberships have been awarded since the brigade was registered in 1912.
Kingston members alongside, Rob McKay (representing his father Bob McKay), CFA Hepburn Catchment BASO Julie Britten, District 15 Acting Operations Manager, Chris Bigham, West Region Assistant Chief Officer Peter O’Keefe.
Special mentions went to Bernie Charleson (50-year medal), Bob McKay (65-year medal) as well as ex-Captain and ex-District 15 VFBV President Maurice Preston, who was awarded the National Medal for diligent service.
Captain Robt Haughie thanked CFA West Region and District 15 for their ongoing support and their long-term commitment in securing land for a new fire station and a replacement tanker for Kingston.
D15 AOM Chris Bigham and ACO Peter O’Keefe paid tribute to the dedication of all members of the Kingston Brigade and the support of family members especially during the times that members are away from their local area to represent the CFA on an interstate or International level.
On closing thanks were also given to the brigade members “for your mateship, belief and support of each other and for your commitment and dedication to being your community’s volunteer firefighters.”
Photos by Terry Hope
