The Harrison family could not have been prouder of Benalla Fire Brigade legend Jack Harrison as they unveiled the plaque renaming the Benalla Local Command Facility in his honour.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Benalla CFA Deputy Group Officer Jim Renkin said the fire station was Jack Harrison’s second home. Jack’s son, Andrew, said it might have been his first.
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There were few dry eyes in Benalla Fire Station on Wednesday, December 11 as the Local Command Facility was renamed in Jack’s honour.
A new plaque was unveiled by Jack’s family.
Andrew Harrison said it was an honour for the family, and they couldn’t be prouder of Jack and all he did for Benalla CFA throughout his life.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
“We always talk about having a legacy for your parents when they go on and to have something named in his honour. Amazing.
“We’re super proud. And to also find out since his passing all the stuff that he did and how well he was appreciated and respected within the fire brigade community.
“It’s wonderful.”
Benalla CFA legend Jack Harrison passed away in 2024.
Andrew was at the event with members of Jack’s extended family and was on hand to unveil the plaque on the front of the Jack Harrison Benalla Local Command Facility.
It was a triple celebration on Wednesday.
The group also unveiled its new tanker and officially turned on its new digital honour roll.
Jack had been instrumental in researching the brigade’s history and planning the new honour roll.
While unveiling it, Jim struggled to hold back tears.
Benalla CFA unveiled its new honour roll on Wednesday, December 11.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“When this committee was first formed, I never envisaged that Jack Harrison wouldn’t be standing here beside me unveiling the honour roll,” he said.
“The original committee was Mick Johnson, myself, Lenny Griffiths, Rod Cook and, of course, Jack Harrison.
“And Jack had most of the knowledge. So that only spurred me on to make sure that we got this job completed.
“So then to run the committee, I thought the best secretary that I could find, Debbie Reese, who is now standing secretary — and we started compiling all the information.
“Then we had Ian Phillips, he’s our technical guru. He used his skills to make the board.”
Jim said he was fortunate that the brigade’s history from 1940 to 1990 had already been compiled by late CFA officer Harold Mundy.
“I’d like to thank the Benalla Rural City Council for the grant that enabled this to happen,” he said.
After the honour roll was switched on, group members headed outside for the big unveiling of the plaque and renaming of the LCF.
Members and guests then finished up with a meal before members held their monthly meeting.
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