Firefighter James Clarke can’t speak highly enough of “Burkey”.
The St Albans station officer says Damien Burke was one of the most respected officers he had ever worked with.
He says it was “Burkey” who inspired him to climb the ranks of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
The pair worked side by side for 10 years, before “Burkey” was posted to Footscray and Mr Clarke to St Albans.
News of the 53-year-old senior station officer’s death in February was a shock to many.
In a show of respect for the father of nine, best friend and mentor, 20 MFB and CFA firefighters are taking part in a memorial relay.
The relay started in Mildura, where ‘Burkey’ had been seconded, on Monday and is due to arrive at Footscray fire station on September 2.
Runners will include Mr Burke’s son, Anthony, also a firefighter.
Mr Clarke says his mate’s death has had a profound impact on Victorian firefighters.
“He was a beautiful man,” he said. “Mental health gets mentioned a lot of late. We can’t bottle things up.
“Traditionally, we used black humour to get over a job, but now we know that that can make it worse. We need to turn away from the belief that we’re grown men so we can deal with it – those days are gone.”
Mr Burke’s widow, Anne, said the family was honoured by the MFB and CFA relay.
“He would be incredibly touched and maybe a little bit embarrassed by all the attention,” Mrs Burke said.
“We wish that he was here to see the impact he has had on so many people.”
The runners hope to raise more than $300,000 for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in conjunction with Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Details: www.firefighterclimb.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14
