On Sunday 3 May CFA honoured members who lost their lives in the line of duty at the CFA Annual Memorial Service held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat at 2pm.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Michael Wootten said the Annual Memorial Service for firefighters is an event to honour and commemorate the lives of CFA firefighters who never returned home from the fireground.
“It is a time for reflection and just one of the ways we can remember the lives of 67 members who have given their lives in service to protecting our communities,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Through loss, hardship and experience, we have learnt from all those who have come before.”
CEO Michael Wootten said the annual memorial service in 2016 will be held on 1 May in Wodonga. “At this stage we have not yet confirmed a venue for the service.
I ask that you diarise the date and hope that you can attend the service that honours our comrades that have lost their lives in service to protecting the Victorian community.”
CFA’s Acting Executive Director Operational Training & Volunteerism Kate Harrap said the Annual Memorial Service is an important time for CFA to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those lives lost in the selfless sacrifice to the protection of Victorian communities.
“We pay our respects to the families, friends and loved ones of firefighters who have died in the line of duty,” she said. “We reflect on the commitment, dedication and hard work from all who protect Victorian communities – and acknowledge their legacy that lives on in CFA.”
Banners representing CFA’s Memorial Wall at Fiskville Training College are currently in the foyer at CFA headquarters in Burwood East, along with wreaths which were placed during the service. The Fiskville Memorial Wall represents firefighters who died in the line of duty with CFA and its predecessor organisations, the Country Fire Brigades Board and the Bush Fire Brigades Committee. The CFA Annual Memorial Service is held on the Sunday closest to International Firefighters’ Day and St Florian’s Day (4 May). St Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.
To see the Honour Roll, please visit: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/roll-of-honour/
Author: Belinda Gillespie