by Daniel Connell, CFA Public Affairs
It was a call to arms that resounded strongly with the crowd at the annual CFA memorial service for fallen firefighters – “Your state needs you.”
Victorian Premier John Brumby delivered a heartfelt message that emphasised the sacrificial spirit embodied by those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 
Joseph Shepherd, from Arthurs Creek Rural Fire Brigade, died in the 2009 Victorian bushfires. His wife Dini said the service was an appropriate honour for her late husband. “It is very, very comforting to have his sacrifice recognised,” she said. “He certainly deserved this – his sacrifice trying to help the community speaks for itself".
Joe joins the list of 65 Victorian firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending their communities. David Balfour from the ACT Fire Service, and ten members of the Tarrawingee Fire Brigade, who died in 1943 defending their communities from fire, were also honoured with the unveiling of commemorative plaques.
Hundreds gathered at CFA's Training College at Fiskville to honour the sacrifice made by each fallen firefighter over the past 70 years.
The Laying of the Wreaths ceremony was a touching procession – behind the scenes each flower was frequently watered throughout the ceremony to maintain its vibrant colours by juniors from Bacchus Marsh brigade. Relatives of the fallen, accompanied by members of the Tarrawingee brigade, were able to lay their own flowers to pay their respects to their loved ones.
The young boy dressed in his grandfather’s turn-out gear drew a smile from the crowd.
CFA Chief Officer Russell Rees led the Roll Call, which tolled 65 times in all, each sharp ring equally important as the last.
Anglican Diocese of Ballarat Bishop Michael Hough, a volunteer firefighter from Ballarat who fought on the front line in the 2009 Victorian bushfires, closed proceedings with a fitting speech centred on the values of sacrifice and togetherness within a community.
This was a day to acknowledging the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of all CFA members. Yet most important of all, it was a day to remember.
Premier Brumby was joined by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Bob Cameron, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland and CFA leaders in honouring the bravery of firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Other speakers on the day included CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy, Department of Justice Secretary Penny Armytage, CFA Chief Officer Russell Rees, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria President Gary Lyttle, Fire Officer Fiskville Ralph Cullum and Hoppers Crossing Leading Firefighter Matthew Kneebone. Geelong City Leading Firefighter Adam Shearer rang the fire bell for each fallen firefighter.
Premier John Brumby
CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy
Bishop Michael Hough
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2009 CFA Memorial Service
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