Following the tragic Ash Wednesday fires of 1983, CFA established a Memorial Wall at Fiskville, dedicated to the men and women of CFA who lost their lives while serving their communities.
Plaques mounted on the memorial wall show the name, fire brigade and date of the incident of each CFA firefighter who has lost their life since the inception of CFA in 1944. There are now 66 plaques on the wall.
CFA Chief Officer, Euan Ferguson, said the plaques and the events that led to them, underlined the bravery shown by all CFA members - ordinary Victorians - who year after year, voluntarily risk their lives to protect life and property.
“It is important to recognise the men and women in our community who commit themselves to protecting the safety and welfare of our families, friends and neighbours and often, strangers they have never met,” he said.
“This work can often be dangerous, difficult and with little reward. Every once in a while, a firefighter may be asked to do something extraordinary - to think quickly and clearly, to act decisively and to provide help amid scenes of great trauma, tragedy and personal risk.
“Their willingness and dedication to serve is to be congratulated and I thank them for their service, commitment and courage.”
CFA Chairman, Kerry Murphy, said Sunday’s event was a moving ceremony attended by members of the organisation, their families, friends and colleagues from right across the state.
“The memorial service is always a sobering reminder to all of us of the sacrifice made by each and every one of our members,” he said.
The Fiskville Memorial Service is also held on the closest Sunday to 4 May, which is both International Firefighters Day and St. Florian’s Day (St. Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters).
Pictures by Blair Dellemijn, CFA Strategic Communications
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