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CFA Media release - Thursday, 21 April 2016
Victorians are invited to pay respect to the state’s fallen firefighters by attending the Annual Memorial Service for Firefighters on Sunday, 1 May.
Memorial services are held in a different regional centre each year, with the 2016 service to be held in Wodonga.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Lucinda Nolan said the service was dedicated to remembering firefighters who had given their lives in the line of duty.
“There are 67 members who have lost their lives through service to the community,” Ms Nolan said.
“The number of people directly affected by this loss is even greater, and we pay our respects to their friends, families and loved ones.
“More broadly, it’s a time to honour the personal sacrifices and commitment that our firefighters make each and every day.
“We are forever changed by each of these losses and lessons we’ve learned as a result continue to shape our organisation.”
CFA Chief Officer Joe Buffone said the service would also mark the 10-year anniversary of the deaths of Barnawartha Fire Brigade member Rebecca Helwig and former Campbell’s Creek Urban Fire Brigade Captain Trevor Day.
“The passing of both members in separate accidents in 2006 hit the CFA community hard,” Mr Buffone said.
“It is a constant reminder of the inherent dangers posed by not just firefighting, but within any emergency services organisation.”
Three new CFA memorial banners will be unveiled at this year’s service as a representation of CFA’s memorial wall.
The memorial is held on the Sunday closest to International Firefighters’ Day, known as St Florian’s Day (4 May).
This will be the 18th service held in regional Victoria with the 2015 service held in Ballarat.
The service will be held from 2pm at the Sacred Heart Church, Beechworth Road, Wodonga.
