Protecting Alexandra for 150 years

Brigade members walking in the parade. Credit: Blair Dellemijn

 

An impressive crowd gathered as more than 12 fire trucks and partner emergency services paraded down the main street of town to mark Alexandra Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary.

 

On Saturday 12 October, the brigade celebrated the incredible milestone with the local community throughout the day and a dinner with more than 100 guests which included long-service medals.

Alexandra Captain Chris Lynch said leading the brigade during this historic event was an honour and a privilege.

“I don’t lead alone, I have an amazing team that joins me and without them, I am only one person,” Chris said.

“A lot of work went into the event and it was a great day. This isn’t just about Alexandra’s 150^th, this is the community being able to have a minute to look and see the people that support them in their time of need.”

The brigade was formed in February 1874, with Captain Radford Huddle as officer in charge and around 20 members on board.

A few months after the brigade was formed, the main street suffered significant fires with several buildings lost. The town had been hit with fires in the past, but reports indicate the formation of the fire brigade paid dividends, as the fire was contained. However, with every fire comes problems and Captain Huddle and three members resigned immediately after the incident.

Training back in the day saw the firefighters don their new red uniforms before marching to the local racecourse, and while one member climbed a tree, others then had to source a continuous supply of water using buckets to get it to the top of the tree.

Over the years the brigade became involved in the demonstrations, which was later known as the State Championships – where they went on to being quite successful, winning many trophies.

The construction of a fire bell on a small tower in the main street was a major move forward to alert brigade members to fire calls. This historic bell still exists in front of the joint emergency services facility in Shamrock Street, Alexandra.

The brigade acquired its first motor vehicle during the late 1930s, a Dodge, 4 cylinder, open cap, fitted with a bell. It was a hose carriage and firefighters transport vehicle only, which proved better than having to run a reel. This truck was replaced by an Austin Series 1 fitted with a Thompson front mounted pump around 1950.

Alexandra Captain Chris Lynch said the brigade has been involved in numerous major fires over the decades.

“The 2019/20 Black Summer fires stand out, our brigade spent time at the fires at Swift Creek,” Chris said.

“Not long after I was voted in as Captain a few years ago, we responded to a fire at Maintongoon which ended up being one of the biggest fires for the season.”

Chris joined CFA around 12 years ago and said it’s a great way to meet people, have community spirit and assist people in need.

“Many people have come and gone over the years but it’s important to talk to the people who have been there before, learn from them and respect everybody’s opinion,” Chris said.

“One of the most amazing things about Alexandra Fire Brigade is the members. We are such a diverse brigade, and we have the ability to do anything we put our minds to.

“We also couldn’t do what we do without our Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) team and the auxiliary members who raise much needed funds for our brigade.”

More than 30 service awards were presented during the brigade dinner including five members who received the prestigious 55 years of service.

Dignitaries at the event included Cindy McLeish MP, Mayor Damien Gallagher, CFA Board Member Ross Coyle, Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Keating and Commander Paul Brislin.

 

Submitted by	CFA media