General News
30 October, 2019
Fond memories for CFA veteran Alf Frith
AFTER 38 years aboard Simpson Country Fire Authority (CFA) trucks, Alf Frith has announced he is retiring from active duty.
AFTER 38 years aboard Simpson Country Fire Authority (CFA) trucks, Alf Frith has announced he is retiring from active duty.
However, he will remain active with the unit fulfilling a number of roles.
Mr Frith said he was looking forward to his time as a non-operational member of the Simpson unit.
“I just decided I wanted to step down from climbing on trucks and concentrate on the roles of helping to run the brigade and role of community safety co-ordinator,” he said.
“I also have a role of visiting properties and helping to prepare for the fire season.”
Mr Frith thought the timing to make the change was right.
“It lets the younger CFA members be more active in the community,” he said.
“We have a good crew now. There are 18 operational members within our brigade which is excellent.”
Joining the Simpson CFA in March 1981, Mr Frith has held a number of roles in the brigade over the years including captain and Timboon Group officer.
He said there have been a number of changes in CFA over the years.
“I joined for a sense of community safety more than anything, and a way of helping the community,” Mr Frith said.
“When I first started we had an old Austin and we have progressed to what we have today.”
Throughout the years, he has been involved in strike teams in a number of large fires including Ash Wednesday and in the Halls Gap area.
Mr Frith encouraged residents to consider getting involved in CFA.
“It’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed it and made a lot of great friends,” he said.
“There is a lot of satisfaction (in helping) whether it is a fire or a car accident, there’s satisfaction in what we can achieve when helping your fellow human beings.”
Mr Frith paid tribute to the CFA and wider community who have supported him over the years.
“The most important one I want to thank is my wife Denise,” he said.
“She’s been brigade secretary and treasurer for the last 34 years.
“You can’t do it on your own.”
Both Mr and Mrs Frith were recently presented with CFA life memberships for their extensive service to the CFA.