Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Dee Why Fire Station now marked its 100th birthday.
Several dignitaries, including the Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan MP, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council Sue Heins, and Rural Fire Service representative Peter Marshall joined Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell and members of the FRNSW leadership team to celebrate the achievement.
Historic fire trucks
Mark Hall received a commemorative plaque to acknowledge his family’s contribution
Uncle Michael West from the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council conducted a Welcome to Country, and Lamea Pirini sang the national anthem.
Mark Hall received a commemorative plaque to acknowledge his family’s contribution. Mark Hall and his late father, retired Dee Why Station Officer Jim Hall, volunteered at station Open Days for more than 20 years, sharing an impressive collection of historic fire trucks with the community.
Fire truck along to the event
Mark brought his Dennis Light 4 vintage fire truck along to the event, the same model that was stationed at Dee Why from 1949 to 1956.
Over the past century, firefighters have responded to thousands of incidents, including the Hotel Manly fire in 1949, structure fires, significant motor vehicle incidents and animal rescues.
Why Fire Station during its 100-year history
After two hours of intense operations, firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze
One significant blaze occurred in 1987 when the Dee Why crew responded to a petrol tanker explosion. After two hours of intense operations, firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze. Thankfully, the driver suffered only minor injuries.
Now, the event celebrates the commitment of everyone who has served at Dee Why Fire Station during its 100-year history.
Generations of firefighters
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner - Jeremy Fewtrell: "A centenary is a great opportunity to reflect on the contribution made by generations of firefighters at Dee Why Fire Station. Earlier this year, the crew responded to a significant structure fire in Brookvale."
He adds, "While the blaze devastated one business, firefighters’ actions ensured the fire was contained to one building, preventing adjoining businesses being impacted."
Firefighting operations
Jeremy Fewtrell adds: "Successful outcomes like this remind us of the positive impact our firefighters have in our communities. Firefighting operations have changed significantly over the last 100 years. But our people’s focus remains the same. We protect the irreplaceable and keep communities safe from the dangers of fire."
He continues, "This is a special day for the crew at Dee Why, and I thank everyone who has contributed to the station’s rich history over the last century."
