A South-West emergency services brigade is celebrating a major milestone today after spending the past 50 years helping to save the lives of Western Australians.
The Pinjarra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) was established in 1972 and has since played a critical role as a first responder to serious crashes, structure fires and major bushfires.
To commemorate its 50-year anniversary, the brigade will be honoured at an awards ceremony tonight, with a special plaque to be presented to mark the significant milestone.
Pinjarra VFRS has responded to almost 280 incidents over the past three years, including 27 road crashes in 2021.
The brigade is often the first to the scene of traffic accidents along the busy Forrest and South Western highways.
One of Pinjarra VFRS' longest-serving members is brigade Captain Ken Jones, who started as a 'junior' in 1983.
A process to upgrade Pinjarra's headquarters has started, with the project put out for tender in May.
The brigade is also set to receive a new urban tanker to boost local firefighting capabilities as part of the McGowan Government's $140 million investment in frontline emergency services vehicles.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The dedicated volunteers at Pinjarra VFRS deserve special recognition for their outstanding service over the past 50 years.
"This brigade is vital to our State's emergency response to incidents across the Peel and South-West regions.
"The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring our vital emergency services personnel have the best equipment available and this commitment will see Pinjarra VRFS receive a state-of-the-art urban tanker to bolster its firefighting response for years to come."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"As the Member for Murray-Wellington, I congratulate the Pinjarra VRFS on reaching its 50-year anniversary.
"Your bravery and resilience in responding to emergency situations has played a vital role in keeping our community safe.
"I'm very pleased that as part of the McGowan Government's $140 million investment in emergency services, the Pinjarra VFRS will receive a new front-line vehicle."
