The Woodend and Gisborne Fire Brigades are sadly mourning the passing of long time CFA member Brad Jepsen, who gave an amazing 27 years of exceptional service to the Mt Macedon community.

Brad spent his early childhood in North Altona and later teenage years in Gisborne, joining the local CFA in 1983. He not only served as an active fire fighter but also acted in several important senior brigade roles, starting as 4th Lieutenant in 1986. He became 3rd Lieutenant in 1988, 2nd in 1994 and 1st in 1996, and then Captain of the Brigade in 2000.

In 2001, Brad was elected 2nd DGO (Deputy Group Officer) of the Mt Macedon Region, working with all eight brigades in the region. In 2004 he was elected 1st DGO and in 2006 to the important role of Group Officer.

In the meantime, Brad, wife Shelly and daughter Amber moved to live in Carlsruhe, and Brad transferred his membership to the Woodend Fire Brigade. He not only played a vital role for all brigades in the region, he also used his extensive experience to mentor many members of the Woodend CFA.

In 2005, Brad was honoured with the prestigious CFA National Medal in recognition of his important contribution to the community. Brad also recently played a significant role in the Black Saturday fire attack.

Unfortunately, some time ago, Brad was diagnosed with a serious illness and, despite a long and tough fight, he finally lost his battle on the morning of July 14. He even continued working on several major CFA projects right to the very end, and a few weeks ago was unanimously re-elected as the region's Group Officer. Last December, he also appeared on Channel 7's Sunrise program with Fifi Box, which was broadcast live from the Woodend CFA station.

In a profile recently published in the New Woodend Star, we asked him what he enjoyed the CFA? "I enjoy being able to do something for the community that really makes a difference, and I also enjoy the friendships and teamwork involved."

He described his most memorable moments in the CFA: "Seeing and meeting the people who thought they had lost their homes during Ash Wednesday - we had been fortunate enough to save them through the night. Also seeing the people of Gosford lining the street and clapping as we responded to jobs during the first major NSW fires ... they were all so appreciative. And, of course, receiving the National Medal was a great honour."

As you can imagine, Brad didn't have much spare time outside of work and the CFA ... but he did enjoy working with the cattle at home, helping Shelly with her horses, looking after his beautiful daughter Amber, and getting away with the family any chance he could.

In his profile he also said, "I couldn't have achieved what I've done over the past 27 years without the support of my wife and family. The biggest thing that separates a volunteer fire fighter from a paid one is all our jobs start from home."

Brad will be sorely missed by the Mt Macedon Ranges community. We thank him for his fantastic contribution through the CFA for nearly three decades, and pass on our sincere sympathies to Shelly, Amber and family.

Rest in peace Brad. Gone far too early. We will miss you mate!