But to David and Karen Patton, seeing the 1966 BMC truck in the Cudgegong RSF Heritage group’s display of historical firefighting vehicles and equipment was an emotional moment.

The former Scott’s Flat brigade truck has been dedicated to David’s father, Graham (The General) Patton, who  kept it running for many years.

After Graham died fighting fires near Singleton in 2004, it carried him to his final resting place. 

David said the family was delighted when the truck was donated to the Cudgegong RFS Heritage group about a year after Graham’s death, because they knew that it would be looked after. 

“She was very definitely a passion of Graham’s and it is so lovely to see that it has ‘In Memory of Graham Patton, Captain,’ written on it,” Karen said.

“Thanks to the boys of the RFS Heritage group who look after her.   It’s just a recognition of a wonderful man.” 

After the truck appeared in a Mudgee Guardian photograph recently,  a friend living in Mudgee brought the photograph to Karen and David’s attention.

“We were hoping it would be here,” David said.  “It is fantastic to see it again.”

The Cudgegong RFS Heritage group’s display of historic vehicles was the centre of attention at the RFSA exhibition on the weekend, earning praise from RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmonss. 

Mr Fitzsimmonss said it would be great to see a museum which could safely house old equipment and vehicles, as a way to reflect on RFS history.

The Cudgegong RFS Heritage group has been working to establish a permanent home for its collection for many years, so that the stories of firefighters like Graham and his family are remembered. 

David and Karen wholeheartedly supported the idea. 

David said it would be especially good for young people to learn about RFS in early days, when firefighters “just made do with what they could get hold of”. 

Cudgegong RFS Heritage Group member Brian Wells said the display at Parklands Resort had been very successful and a number of people had dropped off new items for the group’s collection.