50 years strong for south west stalwart Chris Tully

Belfast Group Officer Phil Marney, Jo Tully, Chris Tully, Balmoral Group Officer Rodney Mcfarlane

 

Southwest CFA volunteer and stalwart Chris Tully recently celebrated reaching a remarkable 50 years of service to his local communities and was acknowledged with a CFA Life Membership.

 

An award presentation was held at the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) on Monday, 16 February, where CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Adrian Gutsche presented Chris with his medal in a room of full of CFA colleagues that he has built strong relationships with over the years and his family.

Chris first joined CFA with Melville Forest Rural Fire Brigade in September 1974, at the age of 15.  After 10 years of service Chris took on the role of Apparatus Officer in July 1984 and then stepped up into the 3rd Lieutenant position in July 1986 at the age of 26.

Since then, Chris has been a consistent presence in the brigade leadership team, taking on roles including Lieutenant for 20 years, Group Delegate for 6 years and Brigade Training Coordinator for more than 10 years.

CFA District 5 Commander David Ferguson said Chris has been an incredible support to the region and it has not gone unnoticed.

“The enthusiasm and energy that Chris has always brought to CFA is noted by his peers and is a fitting tribute to what he has achieved a lot in his 50 years,” David said.

“While he would not want to list his personal achievements, of which there are many, perhaps his biggest success has been the consistent support, care and motivation he has shown to and given others in CFA, to allow them to achieve. 

“Even in recent years where he has had limited capacity, he has continued to be involved and to give support and guidance to all.”

Chris has been Deputy Group Officer (DGO) for the Balmoral Group for the past 21 years, including taking on the role of 1st DGO in July 2018 in support of Rodney McFarlane after he moved up to the Group Officer role, a decision which Rodney has always expressed his personal gratitude for.

“Chris has more recently stepped back to 4th DGO so that he could continue to assist in whatever capacity he was able to, despite an already lengthy period supporting the group,” Rodney said.

“As a DGO Chris has also put his hand up to represent the group in numerous committees over the years including the District Training Committee and Vegetation Management Action Group.

“He has also represented the Balmoral Group at the District 4 Regional Planning Committee, a forerunner to the District Planning Committees that we have today. Chris’s input is always highly valued by his colleagues, the catchment team, and the district at large.”

Outside brigade and group involvement Chris was a member of the District 4 and 5 peer team for 10 years, from 2003 to 2013, a role that he was strongly committed to. 

“His care and awareness of the psychological impact of being in CFA is still evident today and has been a part of his involvement in CFA and community,” Rodney said.

“We thank Chris for his many years of dedicated and conscientious service to the community, district and CFA as a whole.”

 

Submitted by	David Ferguson