RURAL Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons together with State and Federal politicians and other VIPs were among around 150 guests at the opening of the Tennyson Rural Fire Service Fire Station on Sunday, February 11.
The $800,000 facility is part of a planned roll-out of upgraded fire stations for the Hawkesbury and reflects the contribution of the Tennnyson RFS to the local community.
The Tennyson Brigade has been operating for almost 70 years. Until recently, it operated from a small, two-bay, garage-style shed, prior to relocating to its new premises on the corner of Tennyson and Murrays Roads.
The brigade of 73 members has been active not only in its own district, but also in some of the country’s biggest fires, including the disastrous Blue Mountains bushfires and the Black Saturday fires in Victoria.
The Tennyson brigade also has a proud family history with three generations of the Petrikas family active in the brigade - including former Captain, Dick Petrikas, and current Captain and Group Captain, Chris Petrikas, together with Deputy Captains Greg and Steve Petrikas.
Attending the opening were some of the “old guard of volunteer firefighters”, said Chris Petrikas - those who have served many decades at Tennyson and were present for the opening of the old fire shed many years ago.
“Tennyson has gone from strength to strength over the years and also has a strong contingent of newer members who have added their time and skills in helping fight bush and structural fires, raise funds and attend motor vehicle accidents in the district,” Mr Petrikas said.
“Tennyson has also been very successful in district fire fighting skills competitions and has formed close alliances with many other rural brigades in the district while engaged in group activities with other well-regarded brigades including its friendly rival, Oakville RFS.”
Mr Petrikas said guests at the opening including Hawkesbury Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett spoke “glowingly” of the brigade’s achievements, saying the state-of-the art new fire station was an investment in the security and well-being of the district.
Mr Petrikas thanked Hawkesbury City Council, especially Fire Control Officer, Karen Hodges for her guidance, along with state government for their financial assistance, and the RFS Commissioner and the brigade’s volunteers for their tireless efforts in serving the local community.