Published on Tuesday, 18 August 2020 at 3:00:00 PM
The people behind Toodyay’s Bush Fire Brigades are an assortment of extraordinary individuals - and departing Deputy Chief Control Officer Rowan Hunter is the rule, not the exception.
Always community-minded, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand around town: from security- guarding at the showgrounds to dealing with the drama queens (and kings) of the Toodyay Theatre Group in his former role as president. But it was with the fire brigades that he made his biggest mark.
Rowan joined the Central Brigade in 2001, and has been there for Toodyay in times of need ever since – the devastating December 2009 bushfires making for an unforgettable example. He might have been known as a commuter to “anywhere” in his day-to-day working life, but when an emergency arose in the Shire and duty called, he always answered.
Over the years Rowan constantly sought to further his fire training, going above and beyond standard operating procedures in the process. His determination to learn as much life and landscape-saving information as possible was one of many valuable assets – another being his top-tier technology knowledge put to use supplying integral fire management, communication and security facilities to the Volunteer brigades. With a community service record so impressive, it was of no surprise when he was appointed Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer in 2015.
Rowan has been worth his weight in gold – and in firefighting equipment – for the 19 years he spent with Toodyay’s Bush Fire Brigades. He will be greatly missed as he moves on to another chapter, and his work will be appreciated for a long time to come. Thank you for your service, Rowan.
Back to All News