Fire brigade says thank you

HEATHCOTE Fire Brigade last week presented the Bendigo Bank with a certificate of appreciation for their generosity in approving a grant for the brigade.

The grant has provided the brigade with much needed equipment.

“We are very grateful,” said recruitment officer Peter Duncan. “Bendigo Bank approved our grant request enabling us to purchase a range of items.

“They are a mish mash of small items, but all are important and will be very valuable to the brigade.

“We have purchased power tools which will help us to gain entry to properties and lighting to help with night-time fires.

“We also bought computer equipment which will enable us to better respond to emergencies and a new hose washer.

“Soon we will have an atmospheric gas analyser.

“In the past where there was a danger of leaking gas we had to wait until an analyser arrived from Bendigo.

“This will help us to assess situations much more quickly.”

Heathcote and District Financial Services marketing and local engagement manager Charleen Warburton said the bank is always pleased to help the fire brigade.

“Emergency services are so important to our community, particularly in our regional community and we are pleased to support Heathcote CFA to aid in their activities,” she said.

“We are pleased to support Heathcote CFA with the purchase of equipment that is essential to their service but is not necessarily provided to them.

“And it’s with thanks to the continued support of our customers that we are able to invest our profits back into our community.”

Mr Duncan said the brigade is looking forward to re-commencing its cadet firefighting program.

“Juniors is open to 11 to 15 year olds,” he said.

“We are holding an information session on Sunday at midday at the fire station for anyone who wants to come along and hear about what the Juniors do.”

More information about the program can be found at cfa.vic.gov.au.