Romsey and Lancefield brigades celebrate members

Romsey Fire Brigade's tanker was named after ex-Captain Ron Cole

 

Exemplary volunteer service was on the menu on 10 October, when Romsey and Lancefield fire brigades gathered at Mount Monument Winery for their annual dinner.

 

The dinner was an opportunity to reflect on the past year and acknowledge volunteer contributions to community safety within the Macedon Ranges.

Addressing the 100 attendees, including District 2 Commander Dean Simmons and Brigade Administrative Support Officer Rachel Harris, Romsey captain Russell Miller took a moment to thank 1^st Lieutenant Nic Needham. Nic stepped down as captain during the year after an outstanding 10 years in the role that saw the brigade expand capability to meet increasing community expectations.

During presentation of awards, Lancefield captain Gary Rogan noted that it is unlikely that service of the type being recognised would be seen in the future.  His words are reflected in the outstanding awards presented during the night.

Lancefield member Darryl Richmond received a 45-year medal, Scott Mustey and John McIvor received a 40-year medal, Greg Reaburn a 30-year medal and Damien Smith a 10-year medal.

From Romsey, Stevan Zerna received a 30-year medal and CFA Life Membership for contributions as both a volunteer and staff member, while Rachel Zerna received a 20-year medal, Russell Miller a 10-year medal, and Nathan Maroney and Frank Singleton a five-year certificate of service.

In addition to the service awards, Brigade Life Membership was awarded to Romsey member Peter Brooks, and existing life members Ron Cole, Beryl Cole, John Freestone, Paul Green and Ralph Hermann were presented with the Brigade Life Membership jewel.

Recognising outstanding volunteering over the past year, Robert Hawksley was awarded Romsey Fire Brigade’s Firefighter of the Year award.

For many gathered, including his family and friends, it was the awarding of Romsey member Ron Cole with the CFA Outstanding Service Award for more than 56 years in volunteer and staff roles in recognition of a significant contribution to emergency services, that highlighted the exemplary role volunteers play in our community.

This was further recognised with the naming of Romsey Tanker 2 after Ron.

It was a momentous evening, but thoughts soon returned to the coming severe weather season ahead, where their service will be called upon again.

 

Submitted by	Paul Wallworth, Romsey Fire Brigade