The Country Fire Authority has paid tribute to Edwin 'Ted' Harrison, a lifelong volunteer of the Addington-Learmonth Fire Brigade.
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Mr Harrison, who died at age 79 on July 27, will leave a lasting legacy to the CFA and Addington and Learmonth community.
He joined the Learmonth-Addington Fire Brigade as a 16-year-old and, over his volunteering career, served as captain, secretary, treasurer and communications officer.
Addington-Learmonth Fire Brigade member Graham Findlay said Mr Harrison's 63-year contribution to the CFA and community was tremendous.
He said Mr Harrison, who he knew his whole life, had great knowledge of the area and firefighting ability and skills.
"He knew every gate, dam or water hole for water if required in his area and which way to attack a fire," Mr Findlay said.
"What he has achieved in the brigade over a long period of time is just tremendous."
- Graham Findlay
Mr Findlay said Mr Harrison's support to the Addington-Learmonth Fire Brigade was outstanding because, while busy operating his successful mixed farm at Addington, he was always ready to help in any way when there was a fire.
"Ted would be there and with his knowledge, he had tremendous knowledge and ability, and respect by all members of the brigade," Mr Findlay sai.
He said in the past 30 years, Mr Harrison responded to countless fire call outs during the day and night, and joined 'strike teams' in unknown territory, which were life threatening most of the time.
He represented the Addington-Learmonth Fire Brigade to fight fires at Streatham, Gippsland, Talbot, Carisbrook, Newstead, Maryborough, Majorca and the Grampians.
"There were times when he put his life on the line. He put his community first," Mr Findlay said.
"He really enjoyed being a member of the Country Fire Authority and in particular the Learmonth Addington Brigade. He was a very proud member.
"He was a very outgoing man, he was a very good communicator in the community and he was a member and played football for Waubra. He contributed to the community in all ways.
"He is so sadly missed by the community and the CFA."
Mr Harrison officiated regional championships and Victorian state championships and was president of the Region 15 demonstrations committee.
He was awarded life memberships of the Addington-Learmonth Fire brigade and CFA.
Mr Findlay said Mr Harrison was heavily involved in training juniors of the brigade, offering help and passing on his knowledge.
"I think for the juniors, their respect for him and looking up to him and modeling themselves on his doing, will be much better for it," he said.
Mr Harrison is survived by his wife June, daughter Kellie and son Wes and their families. A private funeral, due to COVID-19 restrictions, was held at the Learmonth Uniting Church.
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