Local Hero

Allan Ferguson celebrates 50 years service with the RFS. Back in the early 1970’s a young oyster farmer, then living in Killcare, walked into the local Bush Fire Brigade station (Killcare) to sign up. 15 years later, Fergs moves to Empire Bay, and transfers his membership to the Empire Bay RFS. Fergs has been, and continues to be, a valuable member of the RFS often passing his 50 years experiences on to the young guns.

Over the years Fergs has been Deputy Captain, President and Vice President.

Allan Ferguson celebrates 50 Years Service with the RFS

Ferg recalls “in the early days we were fighting the fires with leather beaters, knapsack sprays and a small home made fire truck with a small water tank on the back”. Ferg continues, “the training was very casual, it was just ‘on the job’ training using a lot of common sense.”

Continuing his reminiscing, Ferg laughs when remembering “the call out was the loud war time siren positioned on top of the station (which is still there) which would bring all available fire fighters to the station.”

The Empire Bay and Bensville community “raises their glass” to Allan, thanking him for his community service, and his dedication to the RFS.

By Robert Thompson