Mark Spenceley remembered as a ‘great mate and mentor’ with the CFA

Family, mates and colleagues of a respected and dedicated Creswick firefighter killed after being struck by a car have honoured his service.

The contribution of a respected and experienced firefighter and member of the Creswick community has been acknowledged by the Country Fire Authority.

Mark ‘Spence’ Spenceley, 59, was died after he was struck by a car while cycling near Clunes in March of 2019.

The much-loved family man’s death rocked the community and tributes poured in for the dedicated, respected and hard-working community volunteer and talented sportsman.

This week, the Country Fire Authority – the organisation Mr Spenceley dedicated 37 years to – and Creswick Fire Brigade honoured his contributions.

As well as being a volunteer with the brigade, including as Creswick captain for a decade, Mr Spenceley was an esteemed CFA staff member who worked as an instructor with West Region Learning and Development for almost 20 years.

One of Creswick’s tankers was renamed in Mr Spenceley’s honour in December 2021, with current captain Steve Ellis saying it was a way for the brigade to ensure his memory lived on.

“Spence never missed a fire call, and it will be great to have Spence with us in spirit at our fire calls in the future,” he said.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan presented a National Medal second clasp to Mr Spenceley’s wife Kerrie and their children – Tynan, Erin and Gemma - this week.

They also received a recognition of service certificate and a plaque as well as his brigade life membership.

Ian Crosbie, Angus Rollinson and Ian Morrison with Kerrie, Erin, Gemma and Tynan Spenceley. Photo: Blair Dellemijn

Tynan Spenceley said the acknowledgements meant “a lot” and made his family feel “so proud”.

“It blows me away to see how respected he was — how well regarded he was by the community,” Tynan said.

“It’s just amazing, it really means a lot to our family.”

He said the brigade had stood by his family in the years since the tragedy.

“The support didn’t stop in the weeks and months that followed — everyone continues to support us,” Tynan said.

“It’s great to see the brigade is in good hands and being steered into the future.”

Creswick Fire Brigade was also presented with a timber shield, on behalf of Mr Spenceley’s mates and colleagues from the West Region.

CFA West Region leading firefighter Ian Crosbie said Mr Spenceley’s passing “left a massive void that would never be filled” but his memory shined “as bright as ever”.

Mark Spenceley

“Spence was a great mate, mentor, role model and confidante,” Mr Crosbie said.

“But he was so much more. He was a leader, a pillar of the community, a brigade stalwart and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

“After the tragic event which took Mark from us, we felt compelled to promote his memory in a tangible and perpetual way.”

They settled on a shield that was designed to capture his “essence and qualities” while reminding viewers of his service and commitment and acting as a source of inspiration.

The shield is set on a slab of Californian redwood that was prepared, machined and lacquered by Ian Morrison.

He said the wood was prized for its durability, versatility, strength and beauty – just like his mate and colleague.

The central adornment is a CFA cap badge, signifying his love for the organisation and an eight-pointed fire service star pointing to the characteristics and attributes of a good firefighter.

A ribbon bar below this represents his awards and accolades – including a CFA long service award, CFA life membership award, a ribbon representing the Volunteer Fire Brigade Victorian Gold Star and Australian National Medal for service.

It is completed by two clasps signifying his sustained and diligent emergency service, not just in Victoria but the Commonwealth.

Below this is written: “Mark Spenceley – Creswick Fire Brigade”.

Last year, Ballarat tradie Daniel James Marlow, 33, was convicted of dangerous driving causing Mr Spenceley’s death and ordered to complete a community corrections order.

The court heard he had turned around to talk to his son, strapped into the back seat, when he fatally struck the cyclist.

Marlow apologised to Mr Spenceley’s family during the hearing and expressed the remorse he felt.