The march of time for firefighters

The new Pakenham Fire Station was officially opened on Sunday.The new Pakenham Fire Station was officially opened on Sunday.

By Bridget Brady
PAKENHAM Fire Brigade members marched to their new home on Princes Highway before the official opening of the Pakenham Fire Station on Sunday.
Pakenham CFA captain Vince Ingram said it was fantastic to see the large crowd of people who watched members march from the old station on John Street.
CFA board member Peter Marke officially opened the station and all who attended enjoyed a morning tea and tour of the new station.
Jean Kelsey is a life member of the Pakenham Fire Brigade and has been a member of the auxiliary for 47 years.
She has followed in the footsteps of her parents, Reg and Hazel Lansdown, and brother Charles.
Mrs Kelsey said it was great to catch up with past and present members of the brigade who also attended the opening.
“It was also good to see ex-captain 90-year-old Jack Pepper and catch up with him,” she said.
Mrs Kelsey has watched as the Pakenham Fire Brigade has made changes and moved to different locations, which she said were all necessary steps to keep up with progress.
“I have formed great friendships with people not just locally but all over Victoria.”
Norma Jackson and Anne Ramsdale, who will both celebrate their 50th year as members of the auxiliary this year, also attended the day.
The Pakenham Fire Brigade members have been operating from the station on Princes Highway for about 12 months.