On Sunday 25 February, Rutherglen Fire Brigade made a surprise presentation to our former Secretary/Treasurer Neville Miller.
Neville had been the brigade secretary/treasurer for 47 years, with only a small break in the early 2000s, and has been a brigade member for over 58 years.
As well as being the brigade secretary/treasurer, Neville was an active firefighter and held other positions including apparatus officer. Neville is a life member of both Rutherglen Fire Brigade and CFA.
Neville is still a member of the brigade, but in May 2017 he felt it was time to have a well-earned rest from the position. Neville is held in high esteem in the brigade, group, district and wider CFA. Neville is a wealth of knowledge in terms of the brigade and CFA history, as well as firefighting, and can recall many stories of past experiences on the fireground.
Neville was also a key member in the restoration of the brigade’s original 1928 Chev fire tanker, which is proudly displayed on special occasions.
The brigade held a small informal presentation, followed by an afternoon tea.
Present at the afternoon tea were brigade members as well as Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook (who worked extensively with Neville when he was District 23 Operations Manager), District 24 Operations Manager Paul King, Regional Finance Officer Andrew Hodson, Rutherglen brigade Captain Dave Hawkey, Rutherglen Brigade and CFA life member Milton Thompson and brigade member Rob Porter. Neville’s wife Brigitte, who is also a brigade member and responsible for the amazing gardens at Rutherglen Station, was also present.
The plaque presented to Neville acknowledged the amazing service that he has given to Rutherglen brigade.