A stalwart of the Hoppers Crossing community and CFA captain has been honoured by his former brigade.
Paul DiMartino served the Hoppers Crossing CFA brigade for 25 years before relocating with his family and was recently handed life membership.
Having joined as a volunteer when he was 20, Mr DiMartino spent six years as brigade captain and led it through Covid. He was also was heavily involved in fundraising events such as the Good Friday Appeal.
He would be forgiven for expecting the accolade, but was humble about the honour.
“I felt very humble and honoured to be one of the few that are selected as a life member of the brigade– I was lost for words which I said to the brigade which is very unusual,” Mr DiMartino said.
For the former captain, the ability to comfort someone on the worst of days and watch his community thrive were the highlights of his time.
“Rescuing someone and helping them out of a difficult situation is one of the best things…we are usually there on a person’s worst day, is one way of thinking about it.
“I would go into the same area each Christmas Eve with the firetrucks and we would watch a young boy develop.
“Watching the kid’s faces when you bring Santa out in a firetruck is priceless.”
Some of those things take you away from the sadness you experience in those roles.
Mr DiMartino has moved to the Connewarre Rural Fire Brigade and Gerry Green has now formally taken over the role as captain.
