A New Chapter for the St Francis Bay Fire Station

Last year, the St Francis Bay community lost one of its most passionate and dedicated residents, Tom Roux. Tom was known for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of St Francis. His incredible tours around Sea Vista and St Francis Bay showcased the impactful work Rotary was doing in these communities. His tours were more than just informational; they were a testament to the power of service and the difference that Rotary members make in the lives of so many.

Heavy Downpour

One tour, which included Rotarians Lesley de Jager (now President-Elect) and Gail Petrie, ended at the St Francis Bay Fire Station. As they stood there, the heavens opened, and a heavy downpour began.  

So, waiting inside for the storm to pass, they noted the station’s conditions. What they saw was a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by those who protect our community. The roof was leaking badly, and the kitchen was unusable. Also, the couches were in such poor condition that they couldn’t even be sat on. Furthermore, the toilets were in disrepair. Even more concerning was that the sleeping areas for both men and women were cramped into one room.

These were the brave men and women who fought the notorious fires that have plagued St Francis Bay for years. They worked tirelessly on 24-hour shifts, putting their lives on the line to keep us all safe. Yet, their own station, where they rested, ate, and prepared for their next mission, was in desperate need of attention.

Rotary Club Of St Francis

Seeing this firsthand, a proposal was made to address these pressing issues. The Rotary Steering Committee quickly approved it. Furthermore, a few months later, Billy’s Beach, a local business with a heart for community, stepped up. They allocated a portion of the funds from their annual “Ballies Party” to help revamp the St Francis Bay Fire Station. They contributed a generous R360,000 – the largest allocation from their annual event to the Rotary Club of St Francis.

With plans in place and the legal groundwork completed, today, a year after Tom’s passing, marks the beginning of a much-needed renovation project. The first phase will see the roof replaced, with the project set to be completed in the coming months. Thereafter, Phase 2 will focus on revamping the kitchen, creating a recreational room, establishing separate sleeping areas for men and women. Also, improving bathroom facilities and a gym area. This comprehensive upgrade will ensure our firefighters have the facilities they deserve and a proper place to rest, recover, and continue their vital work.

Journey Of Renewal

As we embark on this journey of renewal, the Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to continue the legacy of Tom Roux. A week before his passing, Tom made a heartfelt request to fellow Rotarian Jef Forrer:

“If anything happens to me, please ensure the Fire Station work continues.” Today, thanks to his vision and the dedication of so many, that promise is being fulfilled.

This is more than just a building project. It’s a tribute to the selflessness and bravery of our firefighters and a reminder that when a community comes together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Stay tuned as we share more updates on the progress of this project. The Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to be part of this important cause, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our first responders and our community as a whole.

#RotaryClub #StFrancisBay #TomRouxLegacy #CommunitySupport #FireStationRenovation #LocalHeroes #BillysBeach #ServiceAboveSelf

By Gail Petrie

Read more: MayDay NSRI Golf Day Raises Over R55,000 For Station 21, St Francis Bay