AFTER almost 60 years of volunteering with the Country Fire Authority, Bob Forbes has been awarded the prestigious honour of life membership.
Mr Forbes has fought hundreds of major bushfires across the state throughout his time as a volunteer firefighter - at Bright, Tocumwal, Rushworth and Heathcote - and has responded to blazes in haystacks, cars and houses.
His association with the organisation began when he joined Girgarre CFA, in the Goulburn Valley, in 1962.
Mr Forbes went on to join the Glenlyon CFA in 1990 following his move to Daylesford.
Now aged 84, Mr Forbes is living with his wife of 63 years, Shirley, at Trentham Aged Care Facility.
Mr Forbes said he had seen many sad things during his time as a volunteer firefighter, such as seeing livestock die as the result of a fire and people suffering after learning they had lost their homes.
"I think the CFA is a great organisation that helps people in the country. Being involved is my way of giving back to the community," he said.
Trentham Aged Care Director of Nursing Paul Hilder said Mr Forbes deserved the acknowledgement that goes with becoming a CFA Life Member after having served the community for so many decades.
Mr Forbes said the community is a much better place as a result of volunteers chipping in. He has made some lifelong friendships through volunteering at the CFA.
Mr and Mrs Forbes have three children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
