Engineer Ken Hare has retired from CFA after 34 years working in the Engineering department.
A farewell morning tea was held last week (Wednesday 17 October) to celebrate Ken’s contribution. Many people were there to celebrate Ken, including a significant number from regional Victoria and interstate.
Ken has had a career filled with achievements, many flying under the radar - but that’s the way Ken wanted it.
CFA’s wider community would know of Ken’s passion for designing and building fire trucks.
When Ken started at CFA in 1984, features such as heat shielding and roll over protection were only just being thought about.
Ken made a significant contribution to the design and implementation of these features now standard on CFA’s tanker fleet and directly attributed to saving lives.
All CFA’s urban appliances, without exception, were designed and built by Ken. This includes all of our Light, Medium and Heavy Pumpers and specialist appliances including our Aerials, Rescues and Hazmats.
At the farewell, Chief Officer Steve Warrington presented Ken with a well-deserved CFA Life Membership.
“I could think of no more worthy recipient of this award,” Steve said.
“Your impact has been felt far beyond your Engineering input. CFA’s vehicles are recognised as some of the best, not only here in Australia but also throughout the world.
“They have had a direct impact in saving people’s lives and we thank-you for that.”
CFA’s Manager Engineering Andrew Webb said the Engineering team and CFA more broadly would miss Ken’s experience and knowledge - but most importantly his friendship.
“Ken would say it’s a team effort and he has always been one to recognise the efforts of everyone including our operational and mechanical staff, volunteers and manufacturers,” Andrew said.
“But every team needs a leader and Ken did this so well in such an unassuming way.
“We simply say thank-you Ken and wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement.”