news, local news, bendigo, CFA, fires, Bill Bowery, death
A red fire truck with a special firefighter’s name engraved on the back sits idle at Kangaroo Flat CFA station, waiting to answer its next call. The truck is dedicated to former Kangaroo Flat CFA Captain William “Bill” Bowery, who served the community until his last breath on Friday. The dedicated firefighter has spent more than 70 years working for the CFA in many roles. Read more: Parents and educators concerned about ripple effect of COVID-19 on Bendigo childcare centers Born and raised in Bendigo, Mr Bowery began his long career in 1955, serving as a lieutenant in the brigade until 1961. He then rose to captain for almost 20 years, ending in June 1979. Since then, Mr. Bowery’s commitment to serving his community has never wavered. He was then an instructor for the Kangaroo Flat Youth Crew for 12 years, as well as a valued member of the Central Victorian Fire Preservation Society and the award-winning North West Region Community Education Group. Read more: More than 1,200 Victorians hospitalized as state sees more than 20,000 new cases In recognition of his service, among many other honours, Mr Bowery received an Australian Fire Service Medal at the National Honors Australia Day 2017. Current Kangaroo Flat CFA captain James O’Brien describes Mr Bowery as an irreplaceable member of the brigade. “He had an incredibly calming influence on everyone around him,” Mr O’Brien said. “He was an older, calmer man who didn’t talk much, but when he said something it still made a lot of sense to a lot of people.” The 93-year-old will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit and, among other things, his partiality for a sweet treat. “It was his thing, a cup of tea, a good yarn and a cookie,” Mr O’Brien said. Among those who will mourn his death will be his “partner in crime” squad Ken Deveraux. More News: VCE and High School Students Receive January VTAC College Course Offers Mr. Deveraux served more than 60 years in the Brigade alongside Mr. Bowery. A Thanksgiving service for Bill Bowery will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. It will take place at St Mary’s Anglican Church, 193 High Street, Kangaroo Flat. There will then be a funeral service at Eaglehawk Lawn Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. A meticulously restored 1960s fire engine will transport Mr Bowery’s coffin from the service for a final lap of Kangaroo Flat on Tuesday. “This will be Bill’s last race,” said captain O’Brien. Our reporters work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. Here’s how you can access our trusted content:
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A red fire truck with a special firefighter’s name engraved on the back sits idle at Kangaroo Flat CFA station, waiting to answer its next call.
The truck is dedicated to former Kangaroo Flat CFA Captain William “Bill” Bowery, who served the community until his last breath on Friday.
The dedicated firefighter has spent more than 70 years working for the CFA in many roles.
Born and raised in Bendigo, Mr. Bowery began his long career in 1955, serving as a lieutenant in the brigade until 1961.
He then served as captain for almost 20 years, finishing in June 1979.
It was his thing, a cup of tea, a good yarn and a cookie.
CFA Captain James O’Brien
Since then, Mr. Bowery’s commitment to serving his community has never wavered.
He was then an instructor for the Kangaroo Flat Youth Crew for 12 years, as well as a valued member of the Central Victorian Fire Preservation Society and the award-winning North West Region Community Education Group.
In recognition of his service, among many other honours, Mr Bowery received an Australian Fire Service Medal as part of Australia Day Honors in 2017.
Current Kangaroo Flat CFA captain James O’Brien describes Mr Bowery as an irreplaceable member of the brigade.
“He had an incredibly calming influence on everyone around him,” Mr O’Brien said.
“He was an older, calmer man who didn’t talk much, but when he said something it still made a lot of sense to a lot of people.”
The 93-year-old will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit and, among other things, his partiality for a sweet treat.
“It was his thing, a cup of tea, a good yarn and a cookie,” Mr O’Brien said.
Among those who will mourn his death will be his “partner in crime” squad Ken Deveraux.
Mr. Deveraux served over 60 years in the brigade alongside Mr. Bowery.
A Thanksgiving service for Bill Bowery will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. It will take place at St Mary’s Anglican Church, 193 High Street, Kangaroo Flat.
There will then be a funeral service at Eaglehawk Lawn Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
A meticulously restored 1960s fire engine will transport Mr Bowery’s coffin from the service for a final lap of Kangaroo Flat on Tuesday.
“This will be Bill’s last race,” said captain O’Brien.
Our reporters work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. Here’s how you can access our trusted content:
