The award acknowledges a life dedicated to Victoria’s fire services and a career spent pursuing the protection of lives and property.
Allan Roberts joined Research brigade in January 1962 at a time when the area was being threatened by bushfires. After five years as a firefighter, Allan was elected to the position of Fourth Lieutenant and, following a vacancy, to Third Lieutenant. Being a CFA volunteer helped Allan realise that he could make a career within the fire service and in 1968 was accepted into the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB). The training and skills Allan built up throughout his 20 years with MFB were a great benefit to all members of Research brigade.
In 1971, Allan was elected as Captain of Research brigade, but because of MFB regulations Allan was unable to hold the position and stepped down after one year. He continued to volunteer with the brigade and assist officers and members wherever he could.
During his time volunteering with the brigade, Allan was instrumental in building up a brigade tanker from a cab chassis that Research bought from Ford. One year, and many long hours later, a 400-gallon tanker with pump, lights and siren was commissioned to the brigade to serve the ever-increasing risk to the local area.
In 1992, Allan was elected by the Lower Yarra Group as District Group Officer and, in 1994, to the position of Group Officer, which he held for two years. As Group Officer, Allan made many improvements to operations and initiated the purchase of the Lower Yarra Control Unit.
Allan was awarded the National Medal in 1983 for service to the MFB and, in appreciation of his service to Research brigade, Allan was awarded life membership in 1987 and honorary life member of CFA in 1997.
In 2008, Allan was elected as Second Delegate to VFBV District 13 and, in 2009, was elected as District 13 VFBV State Councillor. When the districts changed, Allan was elected by the brigade as VFBV’s delegate to District 14.
The officers and members of Research brigade fully support that Ex-Captain Allan Roberts be awarded a National Medal Clasp for over 35 years of diligent service to CFA.
Story details supplied by Research brigade member Stephen Brinkkotter
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