By ANEEKA SIMONIS
MONTROSE Fire Brigade was proud to grant its first 65-year service award to valued member Jack Verity.
Mr Verity joined the brigade in 1949 as one of its founding members and was a major face of change to local and national emergency rescue.
He was a leader in designing tankers and ancillary equipment in his early years as well as building the brigade’s own original motorised hose washer.
Member protection was also a major concern of Mr Verity, who was instrumental in introducing the first type of protective clothing worn by rural firefighters.
The brigade’s logo, used on uniforms until the CFA introduced its own badge, also marked another contribution by Mr Verity who was in charge of its design.
But it wasn’t just his creative ingenuity that will be remembered from his 65 years in service. Mr Verity was a leader in fire prevention during the 1960s-’70s, helping local committees establish prevention planning strategies for bushfire season and a passionate educator.
Mr Verity made his way up the ranks, rising to first lieutenant in 1963, holding the title for 22 years until his retirement in 1989.
Remaining an active member since then, the brigade said his contributions had been invaluable.
“His leadership qualities were well-known around Region 13 and beyond.
“On many occasions, he stepped in to fill a void in the management team of a major fire with great expertise and little fuss. He acted as a crew leader or crew member on numerous away calls all over Victoria and New South Wales.
“He also spent hours guarding the old FRS phone system and attending fire calls both home and away. He has attended numerous rural bushfires and structure fires, incidents and MVAs … too many to mention let alone to individualise them,” they said in a statement.
Over the years, Mr Verity received many medals for his contribution to the community including several service awards and the National Medal with first and second clasps.
But in 1999, his hard work, dedication and ingenuity was memorialised when the then captain instigated a new merit award named in his honour.
The Montrose community was proud to honour Mr Verity with the Country Fire Authority’s service award at the Montrose CFA’s dinner dance on Saturday 2 August.
