A celebration lunch was held at the home of John and Virginia Fitzgerald to congratulate George for his 62 years of service to the Bush Fire Brigade. Records dating back to 1953 show that George joined the Bush Fire Council, which then became the Bush Fire Service and is now known as the Rural Fire Service (then, at 20yrs of age George most probably had un-officially already served a number of years as a volunteer prior to 1953). 30 of the later years has seen George act in the role of President of the Cooneys Creek Brigade which has now passed onto his son John. During his service George was also the delegate to the Jindalee Shire Council and Cootamundra Shire Council.
Mr Tom McDevitt, Community Safety Officer, Rural Fire Service was in attendance to present George with his medals and spoke of how much the Fire Service have valued George’s time and commitment to the service. Tom highlighted the time that volunteers spend away from their families and jobs whilst fighting fires, often for weeks on end to ensure mopping up operations are completed, this is a lot to ask and he is grateful to George and all people who serve their communities so well in doing so.
Cootamundra Shire Council Mayor Jim Slattery & Councillor Ros Wight were also in attendance to celebrate with George. George was very humble in receiving the award with a few words “totally unexpected but gratefully received”, George went on to thank his family and fellow brigade members and friends for attending and celebrating with him. George told the story of the 1952 fires when a fox shooting incident seen a bullet ricochet off a rock, his father told him to watch the tree, only sometime later for a limb to fall and start a fire. This fire went on to burn from “Geraldine” right through Jugiong and onto Burrinjuck. George said it was his worst experience of attending a fire. Homes were lost and 800 acres of his own family property burnt and his relatives who owned “Rosemount” were completely wiped out with the destruction.
Apart from his 3 oldest granddaughters (who were unavailable due to work commitments) George had all his family in attendance all of whom are very proud of his achievements. One recalling the story of Christmas Day lunch service been interrupted by George and the boys been called to duty to attend a fire – ‘fires have no timing’. At least 4 generations of the extended Fitzgerald Family have proudly served the Cooneys Creek brigade and all have done so to ensure that our land and surrounds remain safe. Well done George on this great achievement.
