By Lia Bichel
THE Tooradin Fire Brigade was honoured for its heroic work at a special thank you function at Tooradin Sports Club on Friday.
About 60 people, including Hastings MP Neale Burgess and Casey catchment officer Cliff O’Conner, gathered at the event to celebrate the local heroes.
“The event was inspired by the terrible Black Saturday fires but we also wanted to recognise the work local fire-fighters do every day,” Tooradin Sports Club president Mark Griffiths said.
“The night was genuinely community orientated. It was a fantastic event sponsored by the Sports Club and Seagulls Bistro.”
Captain David Bulman said the 24 members of the Tooradin Fire Brigade and their families were pleased with the Tooradin Sports Club staff and the community.
“It was something we didn’t expect but it was extremely appreciated,” he said.
“It was a great opportunity for us to all get together and catch up and relax.”
Cpt Bulman has been captain of the local brigade for six years and a firefighter for 30 years.
He said this year’s fire season was the worst he has ever seen.
“There is no doubt that this year was by far the worst,” he said.
“It wasn’t only about the Black Saturday fires but all the fires this season.”