By KATH GANNAWAY
PROTECTION for Yarra Junction firefighters, and for the community, went up a notch or two with the delivery of a modern, new tanker at the station.
CFA Acting Assistant Chief Officer Graeme Armstrong presented the keys to the $360,000 Hino Medium Tanker to Yarra Junction CFA Captain Steve Drennan on Sunday 5 July.
The day was a celebration also of brigade members with the presentation of CFA Service Awards to three Yarra Junction volunteers.
The fire station was packed for the event with 30 current and former brigade members and their families joined by AACO Armstrong, Region 13 Operations Officer Don Tomkins, Yarra Ranges O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child and captains of neighbouring brigades.
Handing over the keys, AACO Armstrong detailed the history of the brigade – which currently has 22 members, of which 19 are operational members.
He said the brigade had served its community well, participating in major fire events including Black Friday, Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday, 2009.
“The addition of the new medium tanker will further enhance the efficiency of the Yarra Junction brigade within its boundary area, but will also be a huge asset to their neighbouring brigades,” he said.
Captain Drennan said there were important advantages in the new twin-cab.
“Everybody’s inside, being a twin cab,” he said. “It keeps everybody safe.”
Other features include radiant heat curtains, spray protection operated from inside the truck, greater pumping capacity, better four-wheel drive ability and the ability to start the pumper from inside the truck.
“It’s a fantastic truck,” Captain Drennan said.
AACO Armstrong was joined by OO Tomkins for the presentation of awards.
Melissa Milich was recognised with a five-year CFA Service Certificate, Jason Duck with a 10-year CFA Service Medal and Steve Harry with a 15-year CFA Service Medal.
Ms Milich has recently transferred to Yarra Junction, serving since March 2009 with Warburton including as Secretary, Communications Officer and Fourth Lieutenant.
Mr Duck also started with Warburton and after an 11-year break rejoined with Yarra Junction a year ago. He attends most local fires and motor vehicle crashes in the Yarra Valley catchment.
Mr Harry was with Devon Meadows CFA for 10 years before joining Yarra Junction in 2011 and is currently Fourth Lieutenant.
Captain Drennan congratulated the three firefighters on their achievements with the brigade.
