- 125th anniversary celebrations for WA's Career Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS)
- Special commemorative package presented to State's career firefighters
- Government purchases historic firefighting appliance to recognise the milestone
The Cook Government today honoured Western Australia's Career Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) firefighters at an event marking 125 years of service in protecting communities throughout the State.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) would be presenting CFRS personnel with a special commemorative package as part of this year's celebrations.
WA's firefighting service started with the inaugural meeting of the Western Australian Fire Brigades Board in 1899.
From those modest beginnings when career firefighters relied on horse-drawn carriages and steam-powered pumps, the CFRS has grown into a world-class service that uses state-of-the-art equipment to tackle complex emergencies daily, including devastating fires, intricate rescues and HAZMAT incidents.
To mark this milestone event, the Cook Government has purchased the 1948 Dennis Heavy Pumper Motor 36 because of its significant heritage value.
It was a frontline appliance with the Western Australian Fire Brigades Board from 1951 to 1974 and has undergone an extensive restoration.
A commemorative package for every current career firefighter in WA features a specially designed belt buckle and challenge coin to reflect the history of the CFRS, accompanied by a personal message from Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm.
A challenge coin is a memento that symbolises camaraderie and dedication to service.
Career fire stations around WA will also host a presentation ceremony to mark the occasion.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"For 125 years the CFRS has been answering the call, ready to respond anytime and go anywhere to protect Western Australians during an emergency.
"The challenges and intensity of responding to emergencies have increased significantly, but the CFRS has stood the test of time, delivering a world-class service.
"As we take time to reflect on what the CRFS has achieved, it is fitting that our career firefighters are presented with a commemorative package to acknowledge their outstanding service over the past 125 years.
"I am sure they will treasure it, and on behalf of the Cook Government and all Western Australians, I thank them for keeping us safe."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"We are proud of our past. Our remarkable pioneers started WA's firefighting service in 1899, laying the foundations for future generations to follow.
"The current cohort has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting WA communities, serving with distinction just like their predecessors. They are ready to respond 24 hours a day, every single day of the year.
"The commemorative belt buckle and challenge coin have been specially designed to reflect the history, values and commitment of the CFRS and are being presented to all current career firefighters in recognition of their service."
