BALLARAT Fire Brigade volunteer Barry Brooks has stepped off the tanker for the last time after 54 years, but is still an important part of the CFA. 

However, Mr Brooks, 74, spent most of his time in an organisation different to what exists now.  

“It’s certainly changed wildfire-wise. Since the Linton fires and the big inquiry, there’s a whole different outline on how we fight fires,” he said. 

“Before that, you’d literally go in anywhere.” 

Mr Brooks decided to stop going on call-outs earlier in the year. 

“It really was just time. I felt that some of the crew were making allowances for me at times, and you can’t do that,” he said. 

But he is still incredibly fit, running every day and doing the odd half marathon. 

“Running’s part of my life. I ran 12-and-a-half k’ at Echuca on the weekend, but I’m not sure when the next half-marathon is,” he said. 

He is still at the Ballarat East fire station ‘all the time’, but now just helps keep it in order. Brigade captain Mark Cartledge said it was good to have him around still. 

“Barry is a great example of an active firefighter recognising that there is life after being on the fire truck.

“Other roles on the brigade are also very important,” he said.