The former Eltham Fire Station re-opened today after it was recently renovated to become a new volunteer station and community hub for the area.
Former Captain Geoff Riley hands over the red helmet to his brother and new Eltham Fire Brigade Captain Stephen Riley
Eltham Fire Station's Officer in Charge and Commander Paul Elso said the station coming back online was an exciting time for our volunteers and the local community.
"This station will not only increase our ability to protect lives and property, it will also be a great location for other local organisations and community groups to use the newly improved facility," he said.
"The volunteers at this brigade are very active with many dedicated members. It's great to able to provide them this upgraded site which will service them and the local community for many years to come."
As part of the renovations, three of the former bedrooms at the brigade were converted into a brigade office, store room and community meeting room. The station also received new air-conditioning, floor coverings, window furnishings, new ceilings, painting, furniture and newly built toilets at the rear of the station which are accessible to the community.
As of 1 July the station will have a Captain again - the first Captain elected at the station since it was integrated back in 1984.
The last Captain the station had in 1984 was Geoff Riley. The newly elected Captain is his brother, Stephen Riley. Geoff officially handed over his red Captain's helmet to his brother in a ceremony at the station recently.
Newly elected Captain Stephen Riley said he was pleased to be elected as the first Captain back at this re-formed volunteer station.
"I have been lucky enough to be the 1st Lieutenant at the brigade for the last three years but it's truly an honour to become Captain," he said.
"To receive the red helmet from my brother, 35 years after he was Captain, is a moment I will treasure forever."
"I look forward to continuing to protect and serve our community now and into the future."
