3rd May, 2017

Victorians today paused to remember CFA firefighters killed in the line of duty at an annual memorial service held in Churchill today.

Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Harriet Shing laid a wreath during the service on behalf of the people and Parliament of Victoria.

The names of each CFA member who has died in the line of duty since 1944 were displayed on banners during the memorial.

The service was held this year at Federation University in Churchill to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the death of Darren John McLean from the Churchill-Jeeralang Rural Fire Brigade.

The annual memorial service is held on the Sunday closest to 4 May to coincide with International Firefighters’ Day and St Florian’s Day in honour of the patron saint of all firefighters.

Earlier this week the Victorian Government announced Treasury Gardens in the Melbourne CBD as the site of a new Victorian Emergency Services Memorial, with the first stage of this project to bring the 67 plaques from the Fiskville Memorial Wall to the new location.

The site was chosen for its tranquillity and historical and social significance. The design process for the new memorial is underway, with installation expected in 2018.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“Today we paused, remembered and honoured the 67 CFA members who gave their lives while fighting for the safety of their communities.”

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“The selfless acts made in challenging circumstances are a hallmark of CFA and I thank all members past and present for their service and bravery.”