A NEW memorial plaque to remember WA volunteers and emergency service workers who lost their lives in the line of duty was blessed at the Busselton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service station.
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The plaque is ‘dedicated to the memory of members of the WA Fire and Emergency Services who have sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty whilst serving and protecting the people of WA from the ravages of fire and other emergencies.’
Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Andy Wright said the project started earlier this year when Busselton captain Warren Day and his brigade decided they wanted a memorial.
“We are here today to officially open the memorial and bless it with the help of the DFES chaplain,” he said.
“We will conduct an annual service on May 4, which is International Firefighters Day.”
“Captain Day mentioned people had already stopped out the front of the station to look at the memorial including firefighters from over East and overseas.”
Busselton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service volunteers Ean Osborne, Percival Holgate and Norm Flynn attended the ceremony and between them have 190 years of service with the brigade.
Mr Osborne said he had enjoyed his 55 years with the brigade and a lot had changed since he first joined.
“You had a pair of rubber boots, overalls and a plastic helmet,” he said.
“Now the equipment you have to protect yourself is unbelievable, I have enjoyed my 55 years.”
Mr Flynn said he first volunteered when he was 15 years old because his boss told him he had better do something to give back to the community.
“I have volunteered for 60 years, it is such a pity that a lot more young folks do no volunteer, but there are a lot more women now which is great and a big change from the old days,” he said.
