Horsham celebrates 150 years of service
.JPG "From left, National Medal recipients Josh Fanning, Marc Ampt, Shane Carter and Kate Wills, with brigade life members Michael Ziersch and Graham Hill.")
From left, National Medal recipients Josh Fanning, Marc Ampt, Shane Carter and Kate Wills, with brigade life members Michael Ziersch and Graham Hill.
Horsham Fire Brigade proudly celebrated 150 years of service over the weekend, marking the milestone with a community open day and members’ dinner.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Brett Boatman joined past and present members for the special celebration, which saw National Medals, CFA Service Awards and CFA Life Membership awards presented.
Reflecting on the milestone, Captain Marc Ampt said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the role the brigade has played in the community since 1875.
“For 150 years, Horsham Fire Brigade has been part of this town through fires, floods, celebrations, challenges, and everything in between,” Marc said.
“Each generation has built on the work of those before them, and that’s what’s made Horsham such a strong and enduring brigade.
“It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many inspiring leaders and volunteers who have shaped this brigade.
“The commitment of our members, past and present, is what keeps us strong.”
The evening also included the announcement that the brigade will soon release a commemorative history book.
The book, compiled by the brigade’s history committee led by former Captain John Davies, will document key moments in the brigade’s journey.
John, who has been a CFA member since 1970, said the idea for a book had been discussed since the brigade’s centenary celebrations 50 years ago.
“At our 100-year event it was suggested a book should be written,” John said.
“It’s something that’s been talked about ever since, and a couple of years ago I thought, let’s finally make it happen.”
A small subcommittee was formed to gather material for the project.
“We decided to split the book into chapters that each capture a different part of our journey, the early foundation years, the move into the CFA era, major fires, fundraising, the ladies’ auxiliary and the juniors,” John said.
“It gave us a way to show how much the brigade has evolved over the decades.”
“It’s been a real labour of love, and I think it’s something our members and community can be proud of.”
The 150th celebrations will continue later this month with a torchlight procession along Pynsent, Firebrace and Hamilton Streets in Horsham on Saturday, 29 November, following the Western Districts Fire Brigades Association Championships.