Fire brigade Captain Nic Rodway and Kerry Rodway in front of the old Badger Creek Fire Station.By Melissa Meehan
THE BADGER Creek Fire Brigade is seeking information from the community regarding the history of the brigade.
As the new fire station for Badger Creek nears completion current members of the brigade are compiling the names of local people who served the brigade as officers since it was formed in 1939.
The list of names will be placed on an honour board, which will be proudly displayed in the meeting room of the new station.
The new station will be an asset to the brigade, but more importantly an asset for the entire Badger Creek community.
The new facilities include a large engine bay to house the brigade’s two fire trucks, two purpose-built turn-out gear storage/change rooms, a large meeting room and kitchenette, a breathing apparatus cleaning room, an office and toilets.
In preparation for the new station’s official opening, which is expected to occur in August this year, the brigade is aiming to build a permanent and unique display honouring the men and women who have served as officers of the brigade.
The brigade has managed to obtain most of the names needed from both the brigade’s records and CFA records, however, the brigade was not registered with CFA until 1945, making tracking down some of the earlier dates very difficult.
Current Captain Nic Rodway appealed to local residents to help find the names of people who served as officers of the Badger Creek Fire Brigade in particular from 1939 to 1945, and in some cases beyond.
He said according to the brigade’s records Vern Mullett was captain from 1939 to 1961 and E.R. Frogley (known as Bill) was 1st lieutenant in 1939 and again in 1949 to 1961.
“In order for the brigade to complete our honour board we need to know who held the position of 1st lieutenant in 1941 and 1943, for 2nd lieutenant we need names for 1939 to 1943, 3rd lieutenant and 4th lieutenant from 1939 through to 1945, apparatus officer from 1939 to 1943, foreman from 1939 to 1945, communications officer from 1939 to 1945, secretary from 1939 to 1943 and finally treasurer from 1939 to 1945,” Capt Rodway said.
“Understandably some of this information may not be obtainable, or in some cases the positions may not have been filled during these years due to Australia’s commitment during World War II, which saw a large number of local men serving in the Armed Forces.
“However, the brigade would like to follow any avenue available to gain this valuable information to help piece together our long and proud history for all to see,” Capt Rodway said.
Anyone who has any information that may be of assistance is asked to contact brigade Captain Nic Rodway on 0412 438 986 or email n.rodway@cfa.vic.gov.au.
