Brendan Collier OIC DMO at Mt Evelyn and Alma Collier D13 BASO both retired in early July.
After 35 years with CFA, the past seven as Officer in Charge of Mt Evelyn Workshop, Brendan Collier officially finished last month.
CFA friends and colleagues attended a function to pay tribute to Brendan and wife Alma, who also finished her role as a BASO with District 13 which she has held for the 7 past years.
Brendan, who is highly regarded by all who know him moved to Mt Evelyn in 2007 after serving at the Wangaratta Workshop.
During the luncheon Brendan was presented with a CFA plaque and a certificate of service from CEO Michael Wooten who paid tribute to the enormous contribution he has made.
In his farewell speech Brendan said: “CFA is a family and I’m proud to be part of the DMO section. It’s been a great 35 years and it’s the friendship and the mateship I’ll remember.”
His involvement with CFA commenced as a junior with Frankston Brigade before progressing into the senior brigade in 1977. Soon after Brendan became a CFA employee as a DMO in 1980. During his career he also held positions of Manager of Fleet Reliability and Manager of Fleet Maintenance.
Although both Brendan and Alma have finished their employment with CFA, they still remain active volunteers with the organisation. Brendan is 3rd Lieutenant and Chairman of Hoddles Creek Brigade and Alma is a member of District 13 Headquarters Brigade. Alma commenced her service with South Warrandyte Brigade in 1982.
“After all this time you can’t just down tools and walk away,” Mr Collier said.
The pair have plans of travelling around Australia now they have time to themselves. “We want to go wherever it is warm and wherever takes our fancy. I think we’ll go somewhere far away from fire season!”
Author: Lisa