Today the former member of the Chelsea Fire Brigade and CFA life member was recognised for his years of dedication to the organisation when he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
“At the time I was a very keen footballer and the competition side of the brigade gave me the opportunity to compete during the off season,” Ron said.
“My membership at CFA all started through the local footy club that won the premiership. We were invited to a social event by the brigade and most of us signed up that night.”
That was in 1944, and he never looked back.
“I became very involved in the Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association and after retiring from full time employment I became secretary for 10 years, which I really loved. It was great doing something in retirement that I really liked,” Ron said.
In 1992 Mr Jacobs received the Australian Fire Service Medal. He retired from CFA after 50 years of service.
The ability to give back to the Chelsea community was something that was very important to Mr Jacobs. As well as volunteering for CFA, he was a local councillor, a member of the Chelsea and District Heritage Association and the Kingston Historical Network, Chairman of the Chelsea Volunteer Fire Brigade, President of the Eastern Districts Competition Association and Foundation President of the Chelsea Concert Band. He has also written history books about Chelsea and the Chelsea Fire Brigade.
“I feel that receiving an OAM is recognition of how fortunate I’ve been in life to have been associated with so many dedicated and community volunteer minded people,” he said.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
