By Parker McKenzie
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 before becoming a volunteer member in 1973. He became a career firefighter in 1975 before serving in Boronia, Bendigo and Dandenong fire brigades.
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.”
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,”
“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 condolences to his family and celebrated the lifetime commitment to firefighting Mr Lucas made.
