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2010 Annual Commemorative Service -

FIREFIGHTERS NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Click on image to view all the images from today's Service.

On the 10th day of the 10th month and usually at the 10th hour, Brisbane Region Queensland Fire & Rescue Service remember Firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Today the service commenced at 12.00pm at St Brigid's Church Red Hill.

Many thanks to Superintendent Kevin Walsh for allowing me to photograph this important event, also thanks to the Retired Firefighters Association for the invitation.

The bell used at today's service was the original bell that rang across the Red Hill area from the Ithaca Fire Station to summon firefighters to respond to fires.

Today the bell summon's the families of firefighters to reflect and pay respect to their missing colleagues.

At the conclusion of today's ceremony, as always, the wreaths laid today will be transferred by operational firefighters to the site of James Mooney firefighter's Memorial - Cnr Queen & Eagle Streets, Brisbane.
Firefighter James Thomas Mooney was the first Brisbane firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty in 1877.

The Official Party - Commissioner Lee Johnson, Deputy Commissioner Iain MacKenzie AFSM, Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell MIFireE, QFRS Senior Chaplin Major Les Shaw, Parish Priest St Brigid's Church, Father Peter Brannelly, led the congregation.

Laying of Wreaths

* Minister for Police, Corrective Services & Emergency Services,
   The Honourable Neil Roberts MP
   Representing Queensland Emergency Service personnel

* Commissioner, QFRS Lee Johnson AFSM & Deputy Commissioner, QFRS Iain MacKenzie AFSM
   Representing Urban, Auxiliary & Rural Firefighter

* Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell
   Representing Rural Firefighters

* Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell MIFireE
   Representing Urban & Auxiliary Firefighters

* Deputy Commissioner Rusell Bowles
   Representing Queensland Ambulance Service

* Retired Firefighter Trevor Carney
   Representing Retired Firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS PRAYER - read by Retired Firefighter Michael Peters
When I am called to duty, God

Where ever flames may rage,
Give me strength to same some life

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child;

before it is too late

or save an older person from

the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

and hear the weakest shout,

and quickly and efficiently

to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and

to give the best in me,

to guard my every neighbour

and protect his property.

And if according to my fate

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with your protecting hand

My children and my wife.

QFRS Chaplain, Major Les SHaw
"May all the Firefighters who have departed before us and their families always be remembered in our thoughts and in our prayers, for they are the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to the community in an effort to protect the lives and property of others."