Ranges Trader
A Tecoma student’s idea stands out in Aus comp
CFA to embark on Santa runs
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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021
A Star News Group Publication
State’s first conservation area announced
Student scholarship to embark on the Kokoka trek
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Honouring Lucas
Commander Peter Lucas passed away in late November. Picture: SUPPLIED
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CFA members and associations around Victoria have shown an outpouring of support for the achievements and life of Commander Peter Lucas upon hearing of his passing. Mr Lucas passed away on 28 November after a battle with illness. CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said Mr Lucas made an impact around the state throughout his long career as a firefighter. “He received the highest accolade in Australia when he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of his contribution to the fire services,” Mr Cook said. “In particular in recognition of his work in peer support, he was a pioneer in peer support programs which is firefighters caring for firefighters after traumatic events or during tough circumstances.” Mr Lucas started his CFA career as a junior member of Ferntree Gully fire brigade in 1971 at 15-years-old, before becoming a volunteer member in 1973. He became a career firefighter in 1975 before serving in the Boronia, Bendigo and Dandenong fire brigades. His funeral service on 9 December was attended by hundreds of coworkers and members of the community who Mr Lucas made an impact with. A guard of honor was held in his honour featuring CFA vehicles and helicopters. The Basin CFA wrote on Facebook that Mr Lucas was a kind and compassionate individual. “He was only recently with us in a training practice, having enjoyed the hands-on experience once again, he took the opportunity to
drive the fire tanker back to the station,” The Basin CFA said. “His elation was palpable; the beaming smile on his face was equally appreciative and will be remembered for a long time.” Mr Lucas served as commander of Bass Coast CFA and as Officer in Charge of Noble Park CFA. He was also an instructor to the CFA training college and spent recent years working at CFA headquarters in an operations role. Mr Cook said you don’t see many people who have the care and compassion that Peter did. “The carer of the carers was Peter. He was caring for the people who were caring for the community, as well as doing his job,” Mr Cook said. “He was always looking out for everybody, he would never walk past anybody’s door without sticking his head in and checking in.” Other CFAs around Victoria joined in sending condolences to his family and celebrating the lifetime commitment to firefighting Mr Lucas made. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said it was hard to imagine a more well known character in the fire service. “I first met Lukey in 2001 when he provided support for us after an incident that hospitalized five firefighters,” he said. “It was only a month ago we were talking about catching up for a brew, but never got to.”
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By Parker McKenzie
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