By Kath Gannaway
Inspiration, respect and dedication are a recurring theme when the CFA community speaks of Yarra Glen Fire Brigade’s John Sutton.
Mr Sutton’s 60 years of continuous service was recognised at the Yarra Glen Fire Brigade Annual Dinner on Saturday, 28 July, with a Life Membership in the CFA and the official naming of the John “Sutto” Sutton fire truck in his honour.
John joined the brigade when he was “about 17 or 18” along with three or four other young men from the district.
“We all decided to join together and I’ve stayed on,” said John who served as Captain for 14 years, has held a number of other roles in the brigade over the years and is currently Communications Officer.
It’s a typically humble response from a man who while acknowledging that his commitment is unusual in years, is just pleased to be playing his part in looking after his own Yarra Glen community, and at times others much further afield.
Yarra Glen CFA Captain Bill Boyd has been captain for the past 12 years and he says John’s contribution to the brigade can’t be underestimated.
“He’s still getting down here every Sunday morning and he doesn’t look like slowing down,” he says.
“John is highly regarded and highly respected. His contribution over 60 years is inspirational and there are a lot of people in this community who just couldn’t fathom that sort of commitment.”
He said John had been to some major fires including Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday and said his experience and attitude to what it means to be part of a brigade makes him a great mentor to younger members.
Reflecting on changes over the past two decades, some divisive at the time, Captain Boyd said John had embraced change.
“John just said “let’s get on board … that’s the way it is” and he has stuck with it. It’s a credit to him.”
John paid tribute to his wife Dallas and his family at the presentation night saying his involvement over so many years was not something he could have done without their support.
He said there is a sense of satisfaction in being part of a team whose role is to help the community.
“It’s not always fires, there are road accidents, and other community service,” he said.
“I think I’ve been able to help the community a bit.”
Letters of congratulations and gratitude for an outstanding, and continuing, contribution were received from Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, Casey MP Tony Smith, Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Len Cox and CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington.
Service awards were also presented to Felix Putting, Rohan Pelling and Jeff Rowan for five years service, Louise Higgins for 10 years and Ash Skillern and Neil Page for 15 years.
The awards were presented by District 13 Operations Officer, Tim Holland, and Eildon MP, Cindy McLeish.
