Clare’s Country Fire Service volunteers swapped their yellow overalls for “penguin suits” on Saturday night to pay tribute to a many years of dedicated service.

All stops were pulled out for the black tie affair at Stanley Flat Hall, with volunteers and their partners entering along a “red carpet” flanked by Clare’s first fire appliance, the bright red Ford Blitz, and its most modern, an Isuzu 4WD with a 2000-litre pumper.

Inside the hall decorations were a treat, including balloons in CFS colours, while portable gas heaters warded away some of the night’s chill.

Guests started on a three-course meal as firefighter Mark Finn entered the hall carrying the “Olympic torch” and lit a cauldron on the stage.

Fellow firefighter Rick Jarvis, assisted by Michael Mathew, presented the “tongue-in-cheek” Chocolate Firefighting Awards to recognise some of the more humorous achievements of the past year.

Then things became more serious as Country Fire Service chief executive officer Euan Ferguson and Region 2 commander John Hutchinson presented life memberships and long service awards.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of an award to Alister Hope in recognition of his 47 years of service to the Clare brigade.

Alister, who works in the communications room, is life blood of brigade, having been a member for more than three-quarters of it 60-year history.

After the official presentations, the live entertainment fired up and everyone hit the dance floor to conclude the successful celebrations.

Brett Schumacher, who has been Clare’s brigade captain since October, said the brigade was currently strong with about 30 members but was always on the lookout for new recruits.

Anyone interested can contact Brett on 8842 2241.