Former Chief Officer Brian Potter began his long association with CFA as a child living in the foothills of the Dandenongs, mingling with Upper Ferntree Gully brigade members.
“He started as a kid hanging around the fire station and ended as the Chief Officer,” said Upper Ferntree Gully Fourth Lieutenant Mark Goodchild. “Having a member who got all the way to the very top is something the brigade is proud of.”
Brian was made an honorary life member of the brigade in 1993 and, at the brigade’s 2012 dinner – attended by Chief Officer Euan Ferguson and Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley – “Brian gave a speech that moved a lot of people,” said Mark.
In honour of Brian, the brigade created the Brian ‘The Chief’ Potter Captain and Brigade Appreciation Award last year.
“The award is for a brigade member or member of the community who has been of particular value to the brigade over the past year; someone who has done outstanding work in a variety of areas,” said Captain Peter Smith.
Brian’s wife Dianne and his son Mark presented the 2014 award to Third Lieutenant Darren Johnson (pictured below).
“This award is an appreciation of commitment to the brigade, but I have to say I’m surrounded by a great bunch of people who do their best,” said the very humble Darren.
“Darren’s involved in everything we do and puts his heart and soul into the brigade and does an outstanding job,’ said Mark Goodchild.
Author: Duncan Russell