Eric Noble and David Tyquin reminisce about old times by the vintage fire truck. 73653 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By Vanessa Chircop
FOR half a century Altona Fire Station and those stationed there have been protecting the people of Hobsons Bay.
Last week dozens of people turned out to celebrate the station’s 50th anniversary including retired fireman Robin Mills.
Robin, who has worked with at every station in the western suburbs, said he was stationed in Altona for 12 years.
“I like to come back and see the old blokes I used to work with, friends and good comrades,” he said.
“I went to many fires with them.”
Robin said despite being retired now for four years certain images from his career still haunt him.
“When you see someone burnt to death and a car accident – it stays with you,” he said.
“You wonder if you could have done more.”
The Hoppers Crossing resident said he found settling into retirement after 37 years as a firey easy but still misses “the blokes”.
Last Tuesday’s celebration was a golden opportunity for many of the retired firefighters who served in the West to catch up on old times and pass on words of wisdom to the younger lads.
The station, which was officially opened in 1961, has already responded to more than 230 calls this year.
The Altona station has played a key role in Hobsons Bay with firefighters turning out to all major incidents that have occurred in Altona, Newport and surrounding areas, in particular many industrial incidents including the 1995 critical leak at the Mobil Refinery in Altona.
Two firefighters were injured while attending the incident where about 10,000 litres of crude oil escaped and the pipe work was severely damaged.
Station Officer Ken Pannell used the anniversary as an opportunity to reminisce about the good times and said the station has been home to some star personalities including Robin Mills.
