As the bagpipes let out their mournful melody approaching Wandana Brewing, Douglas Dickie was celebrated for his 51 years of service in fire brigades from Scotland to Australia.
Douglas and Karen Dickie immigrated to Australia in 2003 with their family. Douglas brought his talents and experience in Scottish Fire and Rescue as a station officer to NSW Fire and Rescue, Mullumbimby Station 388.
‘Douglas joined Station 388 where his talents and experience were quickly recognised,’ Josh Rushton, 388 Mullumbimby Station Captain, told The Echo.
‘He competed for the rank of deputy captain which he held until his retirement after 23 years. During this time he attended many incidents, not only in Mullumbimby but across Byron Shire and beyond and was deployed in a range of circumstances from fires to floods.
‘He was instrumental in building the 388 station into the station it is today. His key strengths are his ability to train firefighters, manage incidents, and develop station capability.
‘He is extremely well respected for the work he has done over the last 23 years.’
The retirement gathering included ex-members from 388, firefighters from neighbouring stations, and the zone management team who came to celebrate and acknowledge his service.
‘It has been a wonderful time here in Australia,’ Douglas told The Echo. ‘We have great friends and Station 388 became a second family.’
Captain Rushton said that, while he may have served only 23 with us, all up he served 51 years serving communities around the world. He will remain close to the station, he has been a mentor to us all. And we all wish him the best on his retirement.’
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