Tomorrow is International Firefighters’ Day, an annual day that recognises and honours the memory and service of those firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their communities.
The day also acknowledges the service of all firefighters, recognising their exceptional bravery and commitment in protecting the community and the environment.
International Firefighters' Day was started in 1999 following the death of five CFA firefighters in Linton in 1998. Recognised worldwide, the day coincides with St Florian’s Day in recognition of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
Each year close to International Firefighters’ Day, CFA hosts its Firefighter Memorial service to pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.
The event is an important opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to honour and remember those members who have died during their service.
Sadly, in the past year CFA has lost two long-serving members in the line of duty; Greg Godkin of Donald brigade in August 2023, and Garry Mallen of Portland brigade in January 2024.
We acknowledge and recognise their loyal and dedicated service over many decades supporting and protecting their communities, as well as their leadership and support of fellow members.
The memorial service will honour them, together with the 80 other CFA members who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the frontline.
This year the service will be held on Sunday 5 May at the Victorian Emergency Services Memorial in Treasury Gardens in the Melbourne CBD. There is still an opportunity to attend, but we would appreciate prior registration by emailing memorial@cfa.vic.gov.au as venue capacity is limited.
In addition to CFA’s memorial service, AFAC held a memorial service yesterday to honour those who have died in the line of duty. This year Greg Godkin was recognised, with his family attending to receive a memorial medallion. Garry Mallen will be recognised in 2025. The service can be viewed here
Tomorrow, on International Firefighters’ Day, we encourage you to take the time to reflect on those CFA members who made the ultimate sacrifice, recognising their courage, their commitment and their service to CFA and their community.
At this time, we also reflect on the tragic loss of our firefighting colleagues including members of the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services, NSWRFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the British Columbia Wildfire Service who all lost members in the line of duty in the past 12 months. Their sacrifices were recognised at the AFAC memorial service this week which we attended.
Finally, whether you are a long-term member or a new recruit, this International Firefighters’ Day we encourage you to reflect on your own service to CFA, your courage in the face of inherent danger, the camaraderie that comes with being part of your brigade, and the appreciation your community has for your remarkable service.
The Annual Memorial and days such as International Firefighters’ Day can bring up difficult and often painful memories.
If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions, we recommend that you contact Lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 which offer support services nationwide.
CFA members and their families can also contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 for free, confidential 24/7 access to psychologists, counsellors, peers and chaplains.
Message from CEO Natalie MacDonald and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
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CEO Natalie MacDonald and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan |