60 YEARS have passed since he first signed up, but time hasn’t stopped Edithvale Fire Brigade member Phil Jones from making a contribution. Jones joined the CFA in 1963. Last month, Commander Brad Fogden and Edithvale Captain Sean McGuckin presented him a medal honouring 60 years of service.
Although Jones no longer attends fires, he still plays an important part. He said “I do a lot of the smaller stuff around the brigade now – washing the windows, doing the gardening, fundraising.” “We have a remembrance garden out the back for some of the old members who have passed away, so I take care of them. But I like to keep busy. I am here most days, and I think keeping physically active every day, whether doing this at the brigade, or golf and walking is what is keeping me healthy,” Jones said.
During his time with the CFA, Jones has attended fires and other emergency responses. He assisted during the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983. He also trained junior members, and served as their head coach between 1980 and 1988. One of those former juniors, Frank Pitinga from Edithvale Brigade, said “Phil has always been a believer to nurture the new and upcoming members and impart his experiences and learnings.” “Phil epitomises the nature of being a CFA volunteer – selfless and a quiet achiever,” he said.
Phil Jones first signed up for the CFA alongside his brother. That family history has continued – he said “now I have a lot of extended family who are involved in some way or another.” Jones hopes to still be involved with the Edithvale brigade in the years to come. He said “I am extremely grateful for all the support that has been given to me over the years.” “This place really does mean a lot to me. I have just celebrated my 60 years, but I would still like to be here when I get my 70 years’ service,” he said.
The Edithvale unit hands out the “Phil Jones Award” to members who show exemplary effort to the brigade.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24 July, 2024