Traralgon Fire Brigade staff are relishing in the opportunity to celebrate the station’s 125th anniversary.
Originally established as a hook and ladder brigade in 1888 following major fires in the area, the now modern station with state of the art facilities has come a long way.
“Given that there aren’t a lot of institutions around that have stood the test of time, 125 years is a testament to the support from the community; the support from the community has ensured us longevity,” Traralgon Fire Brigade officer-in-charge Peter Lockwood said.
“For us, it’s recognition of a very long history providing that level of protection of lives and property over that period of time.
“We’ve created an environment here now that I believe really is a place that everybody wants to be a part of, the facilities that we have now has really created a good vibe.”
Although he took no credit for changes in the station, Mr Lockwood believed over the past six years of his service to the brigade, things had improved around the station marginally.
“It’s a great station, I came at the right time because we’ve had a fair bit of progression,” he said.
“From the time I walked in the door, we put in submission for a new station, we had some extra permanent staff appointed, and things started looking up.”
From Friday, 8 November to Sunday, 10 November the brigade will celebrate its anniversary with an awards ceremony, a Gippsland district inter-brigade competition, a torchlight procession through the streets of Traralgon and an open day.
At the awards ceremony, those who served during the Black Saturday fires will receive National Emergency Medals.
“Our surrounding communities were devastated by Black Saturday and a lot are still recovering and may never fully recover,” Mr Lockwood said.
“For the brigade, it’s really the day-to-day requirements that have changed after the Black Saturday fires which have changed the way we do things, the technology is one of the things that has come to light.”
Prior to the torchlight procession, Latrobe City Council will present the brigade with Freedom of the City.
“The brigade has already been given the Key to the City but the brigade will receive the Freedom of the City from the council,” Mr Lockwood said.
