Today was an important press conference, held in the high risk fire area of Warrandyte on the urban fringe of Melbourne, Victoria. The Media Release from Crime Stoppers announced “EMERGENCY SERVICE CHIEFS JOIN THE CALL TO STAMP OUT BUSHFIRE ARSON” and was attended by high ranking officials, media and the Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett.

As the official party joined together for a group photo, CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson could not be found.

The Minister for Emergency, Jane Garrett, as someone asks “where is Euan Ferguson?” L-R: MFB Chief Officer, Peter Rau; Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO, Samantha Hunter; Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett; Emergency Management Victoria Commissioner, Craig Lapsley; Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner, Shane Patton.

As it turned out, during the proceedings there was a multiple alarm call to a Terminal Station in Templestowe.

Once a firefighter, always a firefighter, the Chief Officer had jumped into the Warrandyte truck and responded with the Warrandyte CFA. Better than meetings, briefings and press conferences we say. Good to see fire department leaders responding, in the trucks, with their troops.

Has anyone seen Euan?

The Warrandyte CFA unit that the Chief Officer responded in, returning from the call.

The incident Templestowe, Victoria, was quickly determined to be safe… but fantastic to see a Chief Officer using the opportunity to get on a fire ground, with firefighters, in their trucks. Nice work Euan.

 

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson after “going missing” at press conference in Warrandyte.