HALF MASTING OF FLAGS
SATURDAY 16 JANUARY 2010
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR
HUGH MONROE
As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, all flags normally flown should be flown at half-mast on Saturday 16 January until the time of the funeral being 11.00am.
The exception to this is for Tolmie Fire Station where the flag may be flown at half-mast for the entire day.
Your assistance is appreciated on this occasion.
Tolmie & District Rural Fire Brigade member Hugh Monroe died after the tanker he was driving was involved in an accident on the way to an incident in Victoria’s North East. The accident happened about 14 kilometres from Tatong.
Mr Monroe, 62, had been a volunteer for nearly 11 years and was a much loved member of both his brigade and community. A dedicated firefighter and brigade 3rd Lieutenant, he was involved in the 2006 campaign through Victoria’s high country and the Black Saturday fires last year.
Mr Monroe was a Vietnam Veteran and retired to Tolmie after working as a protective services officer in Melbourne, guarding the Shrine of Remembrance. Handy with a pool cue and a keen fly fisherman, which he wrote about for his local paper, Mr Monroe ran fishing and tourism trips. He was also a passionate gardener and opened his property to visitors as part of the Open Garden Scheme.
An active, community-minded man, Mr Monroe will be deeply missed. CFA extends its sincere condolences to Mr Monroe’s family, friends and fellow brigade members.
Chief Officer Russell Rees described the accident as a tragedy and said it “reinforces once again the dedication and commitment of our people across the emergency services.” He said work protecting Victoria’s communities would go on today and into the week “under a shadow of loss as we mourn Mr Monroe’s sacrifice.”
Chief Executive Officer Mick Bourke joined Russell in expressing his condolences to Mr Monroe’s family and friends, and the wider CFA family. “When one of our own dies in active service, it deeply affects the whole organisation. All across the state, CFA members are sharing this pain and sending their condolences to those involved.”
Mr Monroe is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathy, and his children.
Julie McClaren
Advisor, Government Relations
CFA Headquarters
