TWO long-serving members of Stawell Fire Brigade have been granted the rare distinction of having a fire-fighting vehicle named in their honour.
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The naming ceremony on Sunday was part of the brigade’s 150th anniversary celebrations, which included a torchlight parade down Main Street on Friday night and a formal dinner on Saturday.
The brigade’s tanker was named in honour of former brigade captain Neil Bennett while a pumper truck was named in honour of former brigade lieutenant Ray Rickard.
Both men have served the brigade for more than 65 years.
Former brigade captain and secretary of the 150th anniversary celebrations Mick Nunweek said the truck naming ceremony was a fitting end to a special weekend.
“Both Ray and Neil had their families present for the ceremony,” he said.
“We also had quite a few former and current brigade members.
“Assistant chief officer of the CFA Peter O’Keefe travelled to Stawell for the ceremony.
“Having a truck named after a member is an extremely high honour.
“There are not many trucks in Victoria named after members.
“Both men have given exceptional service to the brigade and the community over a lifetime.”
Mr Nunweek said former captains and life members of the brigade were presented with special medallions commemorating the anniversary at Saturday night’s dinner.
He said the torchlight parade down Main Street on Friday had also been well supported.
“It was a cool night but we had a good crowd,” he said.