My Local Fire Station – 500 Station

We walk past them in the street, say a friendly hi, as neighbours do, then maybe dismiss the meeting as a casual occurrence, but they are an important factor in our community. They share our happy times and our sad times, and yet when they are needed they are always there.

For more than thirty five years, these men and women and others like them, have protected our homes, business and bushland that surrounds ours and neighbouring communities, with out as much as a thought for their own safety, and they do this as volunteers (however, they are now paid a retainment wage). They do if for the love and pride of their community. Over fifty people have filed through the ranks of the Windale Fire Station, but now, there will be no more new members.

On the 15^th October 1970, the Windale Fire Brigade was born, Station officer Rex Wilmont was sent from Sydney to supervise the equipping of the station and to call for applications for volunteer firemen, and also the training of these people., out of the twenty six applications a Captain and nine volunteers were selected, they were Brigade Captain John Bridge, Dudley Archer, Raymond Henry, Don Spence, Michael Lynch, Max Saxby, Ray Grimwood, Owen Smith, Brian Swaddling and Don Duffield.

The first fire attended was in Cherry Street Windale on the 18^th October 1970.

In 1974 John Bridge resigned as captain, and Don Spence was appointed to that position. It was not easy in the early days, as no electricity was connected to the building; a generator was used to assist the firemen during their night training.

 Fighting fires are not all that they are involved in, they have helped schools and the community in general. Windale Fire Brigade is also well known for their Christmas lolly run in the area. This is when you will see Santa on the top of their truck going from street to street throwing lollies to the kids.

One of the station's officers, Brendan Daly was the receiver of the NSW Fire Bravery Medal. This award has only been given approx. 30 times in the NSW brigades one hundred and eight-year history.

The last member to join the ranks of Windale Station was Emma Drew who became a member on April 1^st 2005

So when you pass them on the street and say hi, give a thought to the time and effort they put in serving and protecting the community and spare a thought for their families, who put in the long hours waiting for their safe return.

Even though they have other jobs and commitments, they are on call 24 hours a day. They are ready for that all-important call.

Below is a list of the trucks that have been used at Windale Station.

Year	Type of Appliance
1970	No 62 Bedford J1
1973	No 371 Isuzu Pumper
	Mack Type 75
	Dennis D600
	Ford D Series
1975	No 504 International ACCO 1610A
1992	FBY 168 International ACCO 1810D
2003	FBY 503 Isuzu Urban Pumper Type 2 FTR800
2005	FBY 237 Firepac
	FBY 766 Isuzu FRS Tanker
	FBY 747 Isuzu Tanker Class 1

On the 15^th of January 2003, Windale Station was given a new appliance to replace the aging International appliance that has served the community.

Sadly, the Windale Fire Station closed its doors for the last time; a piece of local history will fade into the past

A new station became operational at Tingira Heights on 3^rd August 2005, which will replace Windale Station. The new station is known as “500 Station, Tingira Heights”

 The Tingira Heights Station is crewed by permanent and retained staff.

The appliances now being used are

2005                FBY 237          Austral Firepac

                        FBY 747          Isuzu water tanker

The aim of this site is to help promote the great work that the guys and girls of our local fire brigades do each day.

If you have anything positive to add, please email me lakescanslist@netspace.net.au

Part of this article was first written by D.Spence and was adapted and added to by G.Luxton

Copyright – LakeScan G.Luxton

2007-2008