BRIGADE NEWS
Yallourn North sanitary trailer For a number of years, Yallourn North brigade has understood the need to better support our emergency services personnel. We already had a strong focus on health monitoring and rehabilitation using our rehab unit, and we thought a natural extension of this support would be to provide a portable sanitary trailer. During the 2018-19 financial year the brigade applied for a grant through the Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program. We were successful in obtaining funds to put towards a sanitary trailer that could either be towed behind the rehab vehicle or transported to a Level 1 or 2 incident by a field command vehicle. The trailer was built by Travis Ledger, the captain of Killawarra brigade, and members of his construction company. The trailer consists of two separate toilets with internal wash stations, an external wash station, and internal and external solar lighting. It also has four wind-down stabilising legs and two access ramps. There are also two 20-litre pedestal rubbish bins, two 240-litre rubbish bins and a lockable box on the drawbar to store incidentals. Brigade members maintain the trailer with regular cleaning. It’s a great asset for the brigade, group and local emergency services. STORY MARK KING, YALLOURN NORTH CAPTAIN
Ken’s lifetime with CFA A veteran across Victoria’s emergency services, Ken Heddle, was recently awarded a 60-year CFA service medal and life membership. Ken has served with CFA and MFB and has been a judge at State Firefighter Championship events. He’s also volunteered for the Fire Services Museum for 25 years. District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bill Johnstone presented the award to Ken, with his wife and Eaglehawk brigade Captain Kylie Davis in attendance. Ken has been a member of Eaglehawk brigade for about a year 12 after he relocated from Werribee, where
he joined CFA in 1961. Eaglehawk Captain Kylie Davis said Ken has been very enthusiastic during the time he has been a member. “He always turns up to training for a coffee and a chat before we head out to train,” Kylie said. “He’s always interested in getting to know people at the brigade and has been very involved with our young teams for the firefighter competitions.” He grew up down the road from Werribee Fire Brigade. Ex-Werribee brigade Captain and Ken’s brother-in-law, Darryl Wells, served for many years alongside Ken at CFA and MFB. “When he was young, every time the siren went off he was keen to see where the trucks went. He visited the station from a young age,” Darryl said. “Ken also got involved in judging at firefighter competitions, became involved with various committees and ended up being track master for many regional and state competitions. “He moved into the role of brigade secretary from 1992 to 1996 and was one of the best secretaries I’ve had the pleasure to work with. But above all, Ken was a firefighter. He was outstanding in his service and absorbed as much information as he could.” Ken said he was surprised to have been awarded the life membership medallion. “The fire brigade was always a part of my life,” Ken said. “My favourite part about being with CFA is the companionship you build. There are still members I keep in contact with all the time.” STORY MITCHELL GASTIN
72
