End of an era as Fern Tree Fire Brigade farewells 192 years of experience

Five volunteer firefighters with a combined 192 years experience are hanging up their hats. They reflect on the decades of firefighting, saying it’s not all ‘big red trucks, lights and sirens’.

Philip Sansom former brigade chief who achieved 40 years of service to the brigade with Chris Wagstaff former brigade second officer who achieved 32 years of service to the brigade. Fern Tree Fire Brigade have five long time members retiring at the end of the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Philip Sansom has seen a lot of change over his four decades with the Fern Tree Fire Brigade.

“In the early days there was more of a focus on vegetation type fires, whereas now we have moved into becoming trained in responding to structural fires such as houses,” he said.

“We’re also now trained to respond to car crashes, medical emergencies.

“In that sense there’s now greater emphasis on firefighters interacting with their communities.”

That word – community – will be front-of-mind when he marks his retirement alongside four other long-serving members of the Fern Tree Fire Brigade on December 31.

Philip Sansom former brigade chief who achieved 40 years of service to the brigade with Chris Wagstaff former brigade second officer who achieved 32 years of service to the brigade. Fern Tree Fire Brigade have five long time members retiring at the end of the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Together, Mr Sansom, Terry Gill AFSM, Garry Sullivan AFSM, Chris Wagstaff and Matthew Sheppard carry a cumulative 192 years of firefighting experience, and represent 20 per cent of the Fern Tree brigade’s volunteer force.

For the boys whose decades of service have resulted not only in the development of key skills but also close friendships, their retirements come with mixed emotions.

“It’s been 40 years of memories – both good and bad,” Mr Sansom said.

“It’s of course produced friendships but also exposed me to the other members of the community that I live in.”

Mr Wagstaff – who has served in the brigade for 32 years – admitted no longer being on call 24/7, and the rescinding of fortnightly training sessions, will feel “strange”.

“I’m not too happy to be finishing up because you really are part of that community,” he said.

“I’m not jumping with joy, but I’m 74 now. And there comes a point at which you need to call it.”

Matthew Shepperd 27 years service, Chris Wagstaff 32 years service, Philip Sansom 40 years service, Garry Sullivan AFSM 45 years service, Terry Gill AFSM 48 years service. Fern Tree Fire Brigade have five long time members retiring at the end of the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Both men joined the Tasmania Fire Service out of a desire for camaraderie and a feeling of duty.

But they stress it had not all been “big red trucks, lights and sirens”.

“People joining the service need to think about it carefully,” Mr Wagstaff said.

“You can become so focused on it that if really takes over your life.”

Mr Sansom said: “People need to understand what they’re getting themselves into, and join for the right reasons.”

“We don’t join to receive accolades or praise. We join because we want to help our community.”

Chris Wagstaff former second officer, Philip Sansom former brigade chief, Terry Gill AFSM leading firefighter with 48 years service to the brigade. Fern Tree Fire Brigade have five long time members retiring at the end of the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Demonstrating this commitment, both Mr Sansom and Mr Wagstaff will continue volunteering with the service but in different capacities – Mr Sansom as a trainer, and Mr Wagstaff in the logistics brigade.

Still, a farewell ceremony for the five retiring firefighters taking place this Thursday evening comes with anticipation.

“Recognising 192 years of service is a fairly significant moment,” Mr Sansom said.

And on the primary lesson he has learnt in his decades of service?

“Everyone has a role to play in their community, and I would encourage everyone to put their hand up if they’re able to.”

Originally published as End of an era as Fern Tree Fire Brigade farewells 192 years of experience