Award for dedicated firefighter – Australia Day honours

AS a child, Kenneth Heddle was never too far from the flashing lights, sirens and blaring horns of a fire truck.

At the time of his passing in late 2020, the then 75-year-old had served 59 years with the CFA and has this week been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

His wife, Carol, remembered her late husband of 34 years as a no fuss but caring man who would’ve accepted the honour humbly.

“He’d probably be proud of himself, but he was very humble. He was an old type of gentleman, and he was very appreciative,” she said.

“If he had to make a speech, it would have only been about six words and that’s it.”

Mr Heddle first joined his local station, the Werribee Fire Brigade, as an eager 15-year-old keen to serve his community.

“He lived a block away from the Werribee Fire Brigade and once the siren went he was out the door and down there, even as a little kid, so I’ve been told. His mother used to run after him to go and get him,” Ms Heddle said.

In 1991, Mr Heddle was made an Honorary Life Member of the CFA and in 2015 received the Third Clasp for his National Medal.

With all the makings of an emergency services veteran, he also volunteered for 22 years with Ambulance Victoria.

“He was kind, caring and gentle and he had a fantastic personality. That’s what caught me when I first met him,” Ms Heddle said.

Despite his declining health, Mr Heddle continued to serve as a member of the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade when the couple downsized to Bendigo four years ago, helping around the station and training young members for the CFA’s Firefighter State Championships.

“He enjoyed the life that he had,” Ms Heddle said.