By Brendan Rees
After recently celebrating their 75th anniversary, Clyde fire brigade received their ultimate gift – a new light pumper.
The brigade’s community safety officer Ian Earle said the truck, which was fully funded by the CFA, was a big win for the community.
“This light pumper will improve the capability of the Clyde CFA volunteers to meet the needs of the suburban growth that is occurring in the Clyde, Clyde North area,” Mr Earle said.
The keys were handed to the brigade’s captain, Andrew Milligan by CFA assistant chief officer for the south east region Trevor Owen, during a presentation on Monday 23 September.
The diesel light pumper, which can carry up to five firefighters, features a 1200 litre water tank and a 100 litre special foam tank, and is fitted with emergency LED warning lights.
Other new equipment includes an extra-long extendable ladder, a portable smoke extractor and portable lights. The truck will also soon be fitted with new breathing apparatus sets.
“This truck more suited to suburban residential type fires in that it is easier to operate, lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable around the suburban type streets than our current truck. Equipment is easier to access in storage cabinets,” Mr Earle said.
The 40-member brigade hopes to buy other equipment from money donated made by public including an automated external defibrillator, signs, portable warning lights and extra tools.
“The arrival of the pumper will enable the volunteers to train and prepare for residential emergencies,” Mr Earle said.
He said the brigade will retain its current large tanker truck and big fill pump truck – which are more suited to open area type fires during the summer period.
Clyde fire brigade also celebrated a milestone 75 years of dedicated service to the community at the Tooradin Sports Club on Saturday 21 September.
Guests included deputy chief officer Gavin Freeman, representatives from Tooradin, Pearcedale, Officer, Warneet/Blind Bight and Cranbourne, and CFA brigades as well as guests from Berwick and Pakenham opportunity shops.
Volunteers were awarded medals, certificates and awards for their dedicated service to the community.
A special anniversary cake made and donated by Maree Schmidt was ceremonially cut by one of the longest-serving members of the brigade, former captain Ken Blencowe, and one of its newest members, Jake Murphy.
