50 years of loyalty to Wattle Glen recognised

 

Wattle Glen Fire Brigade stalwart Dale Pitts has been recognised for his 50 years of incredible service to the community in front of his family and friends at a recent brigade dinner.

 

CFA North West Manager of Community Safety and a good friend of Dale’s, David Allen, presented him with his medal on Saturday, 26 July at the annual event.

Having first signed up in March 1975, Dale went on to be appointed Communications Officer initially, before becoming 1st Lieutenant in 1979 and eventual Captain in 1986, a position he held for more than 12 years. He remains Wattle Glen’s longest serving Captain.

"It has been a great honour to serve as a CFA volunteer and a proud member of the Wattle Glen Brigade,” Dale said.

“Through the brigade, I have formed many lifelong friendships that I deeply value. The privilege of leading the Brigade as Captain for 12 years has been the highlight of my career.  

“I could not have undertaken this role without the unwavering support of my family."

Wattle Glen Fire Brigade former Captain David Reuter said Dale’s sustained efforts for the community, CFA and the fire brigade have been remarkable.  

“Under his captaincy, several women joined the ranks as firefighters, and he was very active in attending competitions and supporting the junior running team over many years,” David said.

“Dale also made a significant contribution to truck driver training at brigade level and the availability of his expertise on all things pertaining to driving has been invaluable to Wattle Glen.

“Beyond the brigade area he was also a Pad Operator at Fiskville Training College for many years and a driving instructor for on and off-road courses externally as well.

“Between 2001 and 2013, Dale conducted more than 810 VicRoad licence tests, the majority of which were Medium Rigid Licences for personnel from CFA’s Districts 13 and 14.”

Dale was immensely proud of the fact that for several years his whole family was involved with the brigade, including his wife Joy, and his children Elizabeth and Nathan who were firefighters.

“Dale also encouraged Dianne Gilbert, a woman who lived across the road from the station to join the brigade. She was always the first to the station to open the doors during a callout and would often babysit some of the crew’s children when they were at an incident,” David said.

The old tin shed was demolished and replaced in the late 1980s during Dale’s reign.

The brigade endured one of its largest fires in the area for many years in January 1998, when members stopped the Silvan Road fire from heading towards Research.

Across Dale’s decorated tenure he achieved many notable milestones and continues to do so.

“In 1990, Dale received a National Medal, receiving a First Clap in 2001 and Second Clasp in 2016. He went on to become a CFA Life Member and Brigade Life Member in 2005.

“Dale was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his efforts during the 2009 Victorian bushfires in 2014 and was the proud recipient of the brigade’s Captain’s Award,” David said.

Over the years, Dale was also a VFBV Delegate and Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

 

Submitted by	CFA media