The Traralgon Fire Brigade is 135

The brigade celebrated the milestone this week with an anniversary dinner and members honoured for service of five to 65 years with the brigade.  

Traralgon Fire Brigade Captain Adam Townsend said it was an “absolutely fantastic” night. 

The night marked 65 years at the Traralgon brigade for Ian Cooper. 

Joining in 1958, the 88-year-old, said he was encouraged to be part of the brigade by his mates. 

Mr Coooper has had two stints as foreman, in the 1960s and 1980s.  

He said the best part about being in CFA was the satisfaction you are doing something for the community.  

The hardest was not being able to attend fires due to work. 

He encourages others to join. 

“Put your best foot forward and enjoy it,” Mr Cooper said.  

“It’s a good organisation, you put a lot in, you might not get financial advantage but the advantage you get is in yourself.” 

Captain Townsend said the brigade’s longevity was due to everyone’s community-minded focus. 

"We’ve gone on a journey from having been purely volunteer to working with career staff and it allows the brigade to keep going,” he said. 

The station first began in 1888 after several fires in Traralgon.  

It was based in Hotham St with “Ethel”, a horse and cart, with a hand pump.