When Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade first opened its doors 40 years ago, it was a much different service to that of today.
For starters, it was originally called Mossfiel Fire Brigade, and was based in a small green shed across the road from its current Derrimut Road premises – the fire truck was parked at the telephone exchange.
There were no mobile phones or pagers back then; instead, there was a telephone tree that would alert a network of people to come in as needed.
It wasn’t until the brigade moved into its own purpose-built premises in 1988 that it was rebranded as Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade.
Today, the brigade has more than 50 members and averages about 1500 call-outs each year, making it one of the busiest CFA stations in the state.
It also has a junior brigade that competes in firefighting championships across Victoria.
Glen Jones, who has been a member for almost 40 years, said the brigade’s strong family ties had kept him going.
“It’s a great life, the CFA,” he said.
“We served this community for 24 years as a full volunteer brigade, never had a tragedy, never lost a life.”
Len Trawn, who has served for the past 35 years, remembers one house fire at which the children had just had fire training at school. They were able to wake mum and dad up, and get the whole family out of the house safely.
Peter Parry, meanwhile, had an interesting introduction to the CFA.
“I started a fire by accident up in Melton. I had a barbecue and put the water on the barbecue thinking I’d put it out … the cinder went over the fence and started a grass fire.
“The captain of the Melton brigade came along, put it out, and suggested I join the fire brigade and learn how to put a fire out.”
The brigade will host a dinner dance in August to celebrate its 40th birthday.
Any former firefighters can email their contact details to hxgfb40reunion@gmail.com to receive an invitation.
