By Rick Stoker

Fire Department Commander Louie Leone retired yesterday after 17 years at the Port Douglas station, the last five of those as captain.  

Captain Leone was given a barbecue send-off at the station house last night which was attended by Senior Fire Officers from Cairns, crew from the Port Douglas, Mossman stations and members of the Police and Ambulance services.

Assistant Fire Commissioner Wayne Weston presented Capt Leone with a commemorative plaque.  

Members of the Fire and Police services came forth and warmly recalled experiences of Louie's leadership and cool-headedness, when attending fierce blazes.  

A former motor mechanic, Capt. Leone arrived in Fremantle from Italy in 1974. 

He met his wife, Mary in Sydney and they moved to the Gold Coast where they worked in the hospitality industry before settling in Port Douglas.  

Upon retirement their immediate plans are to visit their son, his wife and grandchild in Perth.

The fire station has been at its present location since 1981.  

Before that, it was located in Mossman and manned by volunteers. 

Capt Leone will be replaced by Captain Clayton (Ditch) Vladitch.