It is extremely sad to see the Chief Officer Euan Ferguson announce his intention to leave the CFA at this time.
The Chief has over the last few years been able to make a difference in the fabric of the CFA.
Whilst I had the pleasure of meeting with him on very few occasions Euan was always interested in what was going on around the place and the people involved.
Capable of conversing with the newest recruit or a seasoned captain and everyone in between.
The Chief had the knack of making people comfortable even when they were constantly asking for a new station or truck.
The position of Chief Officer is not an easy one trying to balance the needs of volunteer and career firefighters with a common cause of protecting the State of Victoria from the ravages of fire.
Throw into the mix governments, unions and the press all with different agendas.
Congratulations sir on making a difference under very difficult circumstances.
I and many like me wish you and your family all the best for the future.
There will be many fire stations around Victoria where you will always be welcome.
''If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting you; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:... If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!''
― Rudyard Kipling
Author: Robert Bury