Churchill Fire Brigade remembers Darren McLean

 

A service was held at Churchill Fire Station on 7 March to mark the 40th anniversary of the passing of brigade member Darren McLean.

 

Darren was only 17 years old when he died as a result of injuries sustained in a CFA vehicle rollover attending a grass and scrub fire. 

The service was attended by current and former Churchill brigade members as well as neighbouring brigade members, friends and Darren’s father. Darren’s mother sadly recently passed away.

The service included several speakers including Darren’s father, with tributes to Darren and his life both with CFA and personal, followed by the reading of the firefighter prayer and the laying of evergreens at the memorial to Darren, located at Churchill Fire Station.

Darren joined Churchill/Jeeralang Rural Fire Brigade, as the brigade was then called, in late 1980. 

Brigade records indicate that he attended his first brigade meeting on 2 December 1980 and his first fire call on 23 January 1981. This also coincided with his first brigade training night.  

Darren was a keen young firefighter who was always willing to learn and take part in brigade training, meetings, callouts and other activities including the state rural fire brigade demonstration at Whittlesea in April 1981. 

Darren was a talented film maker and filmed brigade activities whenever he could. He also made several short home movies. Darren and his mate Glen Sharman organised a number of movie nights as a brigade social activity. 

Darren also volunteered at the local television station and just before his death he was offered employment at the TV studio. 

On 14 February 1982 the brigade was called to a grass and scrub fire near Middle Creek Road in Yinnar South. Darren was a crew member on the Churchill/Jeeralang tanker. When returning from the fire for water, the tanker stopped to let another tanker past, and while the tanker was stationary, the road collapsed and the tanker rolled over into Middle Creek. Several of the crew were injured and Darren was the most seriously injured because the tanker rolled on top of him, trapping him underneath in the creek.

A rescue operation was started immediately to free Darren and he and the other injured crew members were transported to Traralgon Hospital by ambulance. The doctors stabilised Darren before he was airlifted to Melbourne for further treatment. On 7 March 1982, following ongoing treatment and surgery, Darren died from complications as a result of his injuries.  

He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter whose life was tragically cut short while serving his community.

 

Submitted by	News and Media