CFA mourning death of veteran

THE local Country Fire Authority (CFA) community is in mourning after the death of 40-year veteran member Frank Clarke last Thursday week.
The Narre Warren CFA stalwart died with his family at his side after a long battle with illness.
Mr Clarke, 61, was farewelled last Thursday during a moving funeral in Narre Warren South.
The well-known and highly respected CFA member served in a variety of positions during his time at the Cockatoo and Narre Warren brigades.
He first joined the Cockatoo team in 1968 where he remained until 1979 when he joined the Narre Warren Fire Brigade.
Mr Clarke held the honour of brigade captain from 1983 to 1991.
Current day captain Noel Collins said Mr Clarke stepped into the top role after the brigade’s captain and four members were killed in Upper Beaconsfield during the Ash Wednesday fires.
“Only the night before his passing at the brigade’s dinner dance, ex-captain and friend John Painter accepted Frank’s 40-year long service badge on his behalf,” Capt Collins said.
“Frank led the way in rebuilding the brigade after such a huge loss of five of its members. Frank also led the way in training in Pakenham Group and Region 8.”
Mr Clarke was also bestowed with life membership at both Narre Warren Fire Brigade and the Pakenham Group Fire Brigade as well as receiving the Bob Burgess Memorial award.
“The Bob Burgess Memorial award is basically an award to a member of the CFA, based in region 8, with regards to commitment both to CFA volunteers as well as community commitment and awareness,” Capt Collins said.