March 1, 2016
Captain Peter “Poppy” Angel is retiring after 45 years (and one month) at Murgon Fire Station … but he plans to keep on fighting fires.
Captain Angel is simply swapping his blue “auxiliary” uniform for the bright yellow rural brigade strip and will be turning out from now on with the Tablelands Rural Fire Brigade.
His colleagues and former colleagues organised a family fun day at Murgon Fire Station on Saturday to help celebrate his 45 years of service and to provide an opportunity for the community to say “thank you”.
There was live music, rides and jumping castles for the children and fire brigade displays.
“Jaws of life” equipment was used on a wrecked car, demonstrating the way firefighters work in closely with ambulance paramedics at a car crash.
And the always-popular kitchen fire display again demonstrated why water – even a tiny amount – should never be used to try to douse burning oil on the stove.
Captain Angel was just 19 when he started as an auxiliary firefighter at Murgon.
And he admits he doesn’t really want to leave … but the rules say that when he turns 65 he must retire.
Over the years he rose through the ranks to Captain.
He has worked alongside many South Burnett firefighters, and has trained many conducting sessions from Monto through to Blackbutt.
