Pound Creek CFA volunteer recognised with Outstanding Service Medal
A prestigious CFA Outstanding Service Medal was presented to long-serving Pound Creek Fire Brigade volunteer Alan Price as part of the Brigade's 60th anniversary celebrations.
POUND Creek Fire Brigade marked 60 years of dedicated service to the community this month with 60th anniversary celebrations and the presentation of a prestigious CFA Outstanding Service Medal to long-serving volunteer Alan Price.
“This is the most prestigious award available in the CFA, other than a valour or bravery award,” said CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen. “It recognises a high level of committed service for a significant period of time. It’s not given out lightly, it’s only issued very rarely.”
Deeply moved by the recognition, Mr Price reflected on the collective power of the local network of volunteers. "Energy that's driven not by one person, but by a number of people, when it's picked up by the community, it's unstoppable," Price said.
Mr Price emphasised the enduring spirit of the CFA's origins, noting that the community ethos of the original 700 brigades across Victoria still remained alive today. "It just always astounds me that how great are we, the volunteers. We're just great, everyone in this room, you've all given me something back."
The local community and fellow CFA members flooded social media with well-wishes, describing Price as "one of the true gentlemen" of the service.
The anniversary also featured the official unveiling of the new Pound Creek Fire Brigade Honour Board. The Honour Board was jointly unveiled by the brigade's longest-serving volunteer, Ken Harris, alongside its longest-serving captain, Peter Vanzuyden.
“The Honour Board provides a lasting tribute to past and present volunteers and allows future generations to appreciate their service,” Hughes said.
Margaret and Daryl Hook were recognised for 30 years of service each, with Daryl retiring in August 2022 after years of firefighting and training. John Payne and John Jerome were both commended for 38 years of service beginning in 1984, with Jerome previously serving as Lieutenant and Secretary. Clare Davis was honoured for over 25 years of supporting the Ladies Auxiliary and station maintenance since 1999, and Roz Vanzuyden was recognised for more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Receiving his CFA Life Membership Roger Davis said it had been very good to be involved with the Pound Creek Fire Brigade. “It’s been great,” he said.
Pound Creek Fire Brigade Captain Mick Hughes praised the collective efforts of all those receiving awards noting that the brigade’s six-decades of success relied entirely on the unwavering dedication of its volunteers.
“Their dedication has helped the brigade remain reliable and effective,” said Hughes.
The Pound Creek Rural Fire Brigade was officially registered as a Class B Brigade within Region 9 of the CFA on October 2, 1966. A book written to celebrate the anniversary tells the story of the brigade's humble beginnings and its growth into the brigade it is today.
From the early days when meetings were held in a local farmer’s wool shed, the brigade has faced many challenges along the way. The records show its members worked together to overcome adversity, to achieve success and overcome many of the knock-backs that inevitably came with trying to build and maintain a rural fire brigade.
The book also traces the development of the firefighting equipment used by the brigade over the years. From the early days of a small 150-gallon trailer unit, knapsacks and canvas beaters, the brigade has progressed to the modern firefighting appliances and equipment it relies upon today.
The various buildings and facilities occupied by the brigade throughout its history are also documented, including the efforts and determination of members to provide suitable facilities for both firefighting operations and brigade activities.
Another important part of the brigade’s history was the establishment of the Pound Creek Ladies Auxiliary in 1968. The Ladies Auxiliary quickly became, and has remained, a strong and valued source of support for the brigade. Through fundraising, catering and assistance at brigade functions and occasions, their contributions have made a significant contribution to the brigade over many years.
