“The new Pumper will be of tremendous value to both the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade and the greater community,” explains Lieutenant Tony Prowse. Bacchus Marsh is located close to the metropolitan area, the population has increased, and with it, the increased risk of fire. Accordingly, the Brigade needed to enhance its firefighting capabilities.”
And with a new appliance coming into the brigade, a whole new training package was put together so that it could be put on the run as soon as possible. With assistance from Melton and Werribee Fire Brigades, Fiskville, and District 15, Ryan O’Shannessy, Training Manager of the brigade, put together a special package, specifically aimed at accrediting members in the operation of the Pumper. Over many months, with members travelling to Werribee and Melton to do some hands on training, as well as drivers going through specialist training through the District Driving Instructors, it was decided to hold a special night where the keys could be handed over officially.
On a cool, and at times, drizzly, October evening, the brigade came together for a special presentation at the Fire Station. With all members coming to attention in ranks, CO Ferguson performed an inspection and gave a short thank you for everyone coming out on this auspicious occasion.
With the station motor room packed with people, brigade member Ian Barnett, Brigade Executive Manager, took to the lectern giving an in-depth historical overview of the brigade. From the days of the “bucket brigades”, to the present day of their Big Fill, Tankers, and now, Heavy Pumper.
Also in attendance was Michael Tudball AFSM, CFA Board Member (as well as a member of Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade), Captain Michael Wells from Werribee Fire Brigade, and Councilor Allan Comrie, representing the Mayor of the Moorabool Shire Council. All gave glowing praise of the brigade in how they’ve conducted themselves in regards to training and emergency response in the town.
“We are extremely appreciative of Werribee Fire Brigade is training our members. Our brigades go back a way in that we usually seem to get their hand-me-down Pumpers” acknowledges Captain Nathan Ractliffe. “Maybe one day we’ll hand down one of our’s to you.”
The night culminated in CO Ferguson receiving a special token of the brigade’s appreciation in attending the night by Captain Nathan Ractliffe. A Brigade T-shirt and a copy of the recently published “Ringing the
With the official business over with, and with the Brigade’s Support Committee putting on a fantastic spread, everyone retired upstairs for light refreshments, before a handful of members meticulously stowed the appliance, ready for it’s first response (which happened to be in the very early hours of the next morning).
Pictures by Blair Dellemijn – CFA Communities and Communication.
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