Mr Monroe, 62, had been a volunteer for nearly 11 years and was a much loved member of both his brigade and community. A dedicated firefighter and brigade 3rd Lieutenant, he was involved in the 2006 campaign through Victoria’s high country and the Black Saturday fires last year.
Mr Monroe was a Vietnam Veteran and retired to Tolmie after working as a protective services officer in Melbourne, guarding the Shrine of Remembrance. Handy with a pool cue and a keen fly fisherman, which he wrote about for his local paper, Mr Monroe ran fishing and tourism trips. He was also a passionate gardener and opened his property to visitors as part of the Open Garden Scheme.
An active, community-minded man, Mr Monroe will be deeply missed. CFA extends its sincere condolences to Mr Monroe’s family, friends and fellow brigade members.
Chief Officer Russell Rees described the accident as a tragedy and said it “reinforces once again the dedication and commitment of our people across the emergency services.” He said work protecting Victoria’s communities would go on today and into the week “under a shadow of loss as we mourn Mr Monroe’s sacrifice.”
Chief Executive Officer Mick Bourke joined Russell in expressing his condolences to Mr Monroe’s family and friends, and the wider CFA family. “When one of our own dies in active service, it deeply affects the whole organisation. All across the state, CFA members are sharing this pain and sending their condolences to those involved.”
Mr Monroe is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathy, and his children.
Injured members
Four other Tolmie & District brigade members were also in the tanker when it rolled.
Brigade 2nd Lieutenant Trevor Mahon, a four-year member, and Colin Nesbitt, who has been with CFA nearly seven years, were taken to hospital in Melbourne after sustaining injuries in the accident. Both men have been moved to the hospital wards and are resting comfortably in stable conditions.
Tolmie & District members Allison Maloney (also reported as Allison Storrie), who has been a member for two years, and John Johnson, a three-year member, were also injured. They were treated at Goulburn Valley Hospital in Shepparton before being discharged yesterday.
CFA wishes the injured members a full recovery.
We will keep you informed of further developments through CFA Connect.
Condolence messages have also been posted on CFA's facebook page, which you can read here.
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