Brigade celebrates 50 years

The Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Station celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, August 27 at a barbecue attended by NSW Rural Fire commissioner Mr Phil Koperberg.

It was also attended by Cr Robert Bell, Member for Gosford Mr Chris Harcher, chief superintendent Mr Mick Beltran, Gosford acting fire control officer Mr Roy Owens and deputy mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen.

The fire station which was reopened in November 2003, celebrated its anniversary with community and council support.

Brigade captain Mr Max Breckenridge started the proceedings by asking those who attended to spare a thought for those fire fighters who had lost their lives through the fire service.

Mr Breckenridge spoke of the great support from the community including those who regularly donate to the fire stations monthly cake stall, while thanking Peter and Claire Compton for holding the stall at Killcare Cellars each month.

Group captain Mr Warwick Teasdale spoke of the trouble researching the history of the fire station.

"A lot of the information was kept at the old fire captain's shed, which burned down," Mr Teasdale said.

Some records were found, but a lot of help from the community was needed to put the rest together, Mr Teasdale said.

Joseph Child donated land to Gosford Council in 1947 so that it could be used for a fire station.

"The brigade was always here," Mr Teasdale said.

"Everyone was a member of the fire brigade then."

In September 1955, the brigade received the authority cards to start the fire station.

Twenty three names were put forward to start the new station, though not all of those people knew that their names were on the list.

"It came as a shock to some people to see their names there," Mr Teasdale said.

An honour board, made by local sign writer Mr John Lee, commemorates the fire station's past captains and presidents.

Cr Macfadyen spoke of Gosford Council's continued support of the fire brigade, which includes a $1 million donation every year.

"They're always there, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, putting their own lives on the line," Cr Macfadyen said.

Mr Harcher spoke of the "spirit of the volunteer".

"They don't do it for a reward. They do it for honour and glory," Mr Harcher said.

"They play their part in Australian society."

Mr Harcher congratulated the brigade for its commitment to come together to help the area.

Mr Koperberg spoke of the history of NSW rural fire fighting.

He also spoke of the 1968 Grose Valley fires in which 167 houses were lost and which cost 11 lives, three of which were volunteer fire fighters.

"They were killed because they had no maps or communications and their only training was in survival.

"It can't go on," Mr Koperberg said.

Bush fire fighters lost more of their own then of Police and Armed Forces combined during peace times.

Mr Koperberg and Cr Macfadyen unveiled a plaque commemorating the day.

The Killcare Wagstaffe Fire Brigade meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the fire station on Stanley St, Killcare.

Those wishing to become a volunteer fire fighter can contact Max Breckenridge at the station or contact 4360 2161.

Terry Wilson, a volunteer Fire Fighter for the brigade for three years, said: "It's a way to give something back to the community."

Kim Trenerry, August 31