CFA’s night of nights

MEMBERS of Camperdown’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade came together to celebrate the achievements of their brigade over the past year.

Recognising dedication: Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA) captain Michael Carman presented Rex Lucas with the prestigious Fireperson of the Year award as part of the CFA brigade’s annual awards night.

The night saw the brigade joined by other emergency services and CFA brigades across the shire to share in an evening of camaraderie and celebration.

Among the awards presented were 11 National Medals, which were presented by CFA board member Bryce Morden.

Introduced in 1975, the National Medal recognises prolonged exposure to hazards in the service of the community and is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.

Recipients included Peter Moore, Michael Carman, Paul Dunn, Georgie Gretton, Jack McKenzie and Andrew Smith.

First and second clasps were awarded to Scott Ball, Murray Lucas, Rex Lucas, Gary O’Neil and Steven Russell.

In addition to the National Medal, four members were presented with service medals by CFA deputy chief officer Adrian Gutsche.

Blake Wilkinson was honoured for 10 years, Kane Veenstra was recognised for 15 years, Peter Moore was honoured for 40 years and Danny Gordon was recognised for 45 years of service – which also saw him awarded a life membership of the CFA and the Camperdown brigade.

CFA’s Betty Robillard was also presented with her reaccreditation certificate as a level three public information officer.

Camperdown CFA brigade treasurer and communications officer Bernie Sinnott said the night also saw one of the most prestigious awards – the Fireperson of the Year – presented to Rex Lucas.

“This is a very important and prestigious award which the captain of the brigade has the honour of declaring the award recipient,” he said.

“The award is presented to a fireperson that the captain believes has a positive influence on other brigade members and worked towards the betterment of the brigade.

“The recipient is someone you would be proud and confident to work beside or listen to in a stressful situation and whose advice and instruction fellow firefighters would accept and follow on the fireground or around the station.

“This award is therefore not primarily for actions on the fireground, but for a combination of endeavours by a member around the fire station, during a fire or incident turnout, brigade administration, communication and training.”

Brigade captain Michael Carman said he was thrilled to honour his fellow firefighters in this way.

“Congratulations to all recipients on this well-deserved recognition,” he said.