My Local Fire Station – 500 Station
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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 15th
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.
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The first fire attended was in Cherry Street Windale on the 18th
October 1970.
In 1974
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 1st
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 |
1973 |
No 371 Isuzu Pumper |
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Mack Type 75 |
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Dennis D600 |
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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 |
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FBY 766 Isuzu FRS Tanker |
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FBY 747 Isuzu Tanker Class 1 |
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On the 15th 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
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
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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 2007-2010 |