Former Ocean Grove Fire Brigade member honoured after 75 years of service

FORMER Ocean Grove Fire Brigade member and life member, Ivan Lee, has received his 75 years of service milestone from the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

Mr Lee received the honour at the District 24 CFA Headquarters Brigade Years of Service Awards Night back on July 23.

“Back then members were alerted to a fire call by a bell situated in front of the Post Office which would be rung by a member of the Post Office staff after a call had come through to the switchboard operator,” Mr Lee said.

“The busiest time of the year was during tobacco picking season as the leaf was dried and cured in a heated kiln.

“Most weeks at least two kilns would go up in flames, though one year there were 15 kiln fires in one week.”

Mr Lee first joined the CFA in Myrtleford in 1948 at the young age of 15.

In 1959, Mr Lee and his wife Margaret, moved to Nyah West where he then became a member of the local brigade.

He then served as a regional council delegate on the Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association Executive Council from 1964 to 1969.

Mr and Mrs Lee then moved to Ocean Grove in 1983, before joining the Ocean Grove Fire Brigade.

In 2006, Ivan’s wife received her 50-year Bar to her Long Service Badge.

At this time, there are a total of 114 years combined between the two, to the CFA.

Mr Lee’s accolades during his time at the CFA include:

Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association Gold Star Award

National Medal

Honorary Life Member Ocean Grove Fire Brigade

Honorary Life Member Country Fire Authority

3rd Bar to National Medal

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017, for service to the community.

Mr Lee moved to Albury in 2021 and joined the local brigade there.