Connecting bridge honours Peter J Lucas

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Member News image Peter’s brother Adrian Lucas with the plaque that marks the entrance to the bridge

CFA has officially recognised the late Peter J Lucas AFSM by naming the connecting bridge between the two buildings CFA occupies at Burwood.

Acknowledged by DCO Garry Cook as a `connector’ of CFA members across all areas of the organisation, Peter’s brother Adrian Lucas was also present at the official opening.

The acknowledgement and dedication of the connecting bridge in honour of Peter was part of a broader ceremony officially opening the refurbished CFA offices which provide modernised facilities for staff and volunteers consolidated into two buildings rather than four.

Following a smoking ceremony performed by Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr, MC Chief Officer Jason Heffernan called upon CEO Natalie MacDonald, and Board member Peter Shaw to speak about the changes to the office set-up, and benefits to CFA members. Peter Shaw officially re-opened the buildings on behalf of the CFA Board.

In remembering Peter Lucas, Garry said his influence was felt across generations throughout the organisation over a career spanning 46 years, along with his 4 years as a volunteer, totalling 50 years of service to CFA.

“He was passionate about CFA, but most importantly, he cared about the people within CFA,” Garry said.

When he died Peter was an active serving Commander at Burwood. He had joined CFA as a junior member at Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade in 1971 before becoming a volunteer member in 1973.

In 1975 Peter graduated as a career staff firefighter and worked across the state in a variety of roles including as a firefighter at Boronia, Bendigo and Dandenong. He was appointed Station Officer at Frankston in the early 1980s before returning to Boronia and Dandenong. He was also an instructor at Fiskville Training College as well as an Operations Officer in District 8 which included relieving roles across the state and CFA headquarters.

Peter was a larger-than-life presence within CFA who knew how to connect with members across the organisation. His contributions and legacy will be remembered.