Firefighter James Clarke can’t speak highly enough of ‘Burkey’.
He says Footscray firefighter Damien Burke was one of the most respected officers he has ever worked with, inspiring him to climb the ranks of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
The pair worked side by side for 10 years, and Clarke was one of many shocked by news of the 53-year-old senior station officer’s death in February.
To honour the father of nine, mentor and veteran of 27 years, 20 MFB and CFA firefighters are this week taking part in a 563-kilometre memorial relay.
The relay started on Monday in Mildura, where Burkey had been seconded, and is due to arrive at Footscray fire station on Friday, before culminating at the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb at Crown Metropol Hotel in Melbourne on Saturday.
Runners will include Mr Burke’s son, Anthony, who is also a firefighter.
Mr Burke’s legacy was celebrated at the time of his death when a spontaneous tribute emblazoned the number 47 – the number of Footscray fire station – on fire trucks across the state.
Mr Clarke says his mate’s death has had a profound impact on Victorian firefighters.
“He was a beautiful man,” he said. “Mental health gets mentioned a lot of late. We can’t bottle things up.
“Traditionally, we used black humour to get over a job, but now we know that can make it worse. We need to turn away from the belief that we’re grown men, so we can deal with it – those days are gone.”
Mr Burke’s widow, Anne, said the family feels honoured by the MFB and CFA relay.
“He would be incredibly touched and maybe a little bit embarrassed by all the attention,” Mrs Burke said.
“We wish that he was here to see the impact he has had on so many people.”
The runners hope to raise more than $300,000 for the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in conjunction with the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Details: www.firefighterclimb.org.au
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