Credit: Paul McCully
Wangaratta Fire Brigade proudly celebrated 150 years of service last weekend, marking the sesquicentennial with brigade members past and present and CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook joining in on the celebrations.
To celebrate the milestone, the brigade celebrated with a dinner on Saturday 16 May and a morning tea with a special vehicle dedication on Sunday 17 May.
The brigade was born out of a need in the community for an organised fire service in 1876 with 21 members signing up in the first meeting.
From that meeting, Wangaratta Fire Brigade has been operating in many iterations and is now a co-located brigade with Fire Rescue Victoria.
Reflecting on the milestone, Captain Jason Allisey said the celebrations were an opportunity to come together to recognise the role the brigade has played in the community for 150 years.
"We are really excited to be celebrating 150 years of the Wangaratta Fire Brigade," Jason said.
"The brigade has been an integral part of the local community since 1876, and we're proud of the role it has played in supporting and protecting the community for so many years."
"We've been fortunate to have a strong brigade culture and a really positive relationship with our co-located FRV crews."
"The celebrations were a chance to recognise the generations of members who have contributed to the brigade and helped shape what it is today."
The morning tea included a vehicle dedication in honour of past brigade member Peter Leach who was an active member of the brigade for more than 50 years.
"It is a fitting tribute to Peter and a way for us to keep his memory alive," Jason said.
"He was instrumental in our Mobile Control Unit and spent many hours ensuring the smooth running of the vehicles and training of members.
"Peter was a prominent member here at Wangaratta. He put his hand up for anything and was a fantastic mentor to the young ones coming through the junior program.
"He was appreciated by all in the brigade and the local community."
The brigade has been at the frontline of many major emergencies both local, across the state and interstate, including the 1940 Flower Mill fire, 1985 Chiltern large gas tanker fire and the 1971 New South Wales fires.
Most recently, the brigade sent strike teams to assist with the Longwood, Corowa and Walwa fires.
Looking ahead, Jason said he hopes to see membership continue to grow, while supporting current members to build and maintain their skills.
