The Footscray State Emergency Service (SES) Unit has honoured one of its longest-serving members, Denis Brain, who celebrated his 80th birthday last week alongside an extraordinary milestone of 54 years of volunteer service.
A surprise gathering was held at the Footscray SES headquarters on the evening of Monday, September 15, where volunteers, family, and community members came together to recognise Mr Brain’s decades of commitment to emergency response and community safety.
Mr Brain joined the SES in the early 1970s and has since played a vital role in countless flood and storm responses across the west.
Over more than five decades, he has mentored generations of new recruits and become a cornerstone of the Footscray unit which he is still an active member of, attending training regularly and conducting training for new and existing members.
Speaking at the event, Footscray SES controller Mike Bagnall said Mr Brain’s contribution could not be overstated.
“Denis is the heart of our unit,” Mr Bagnall said.
“His commitment, resilience, and generosity of spirit have inspired us all for decades.
“It was an honour to celebrate not only his 80th birthday but also his extraordinary record of service to the community.”
The celebration drew a wide range of guests, including representatives from Maribyrnong council, current and former members of the Footscray SES unit and neighbouring units who shared stories about Mr Brain’s role in major flood and storm operations, his calm leadership during emergencies, and his humour, warmth, and humility.
