On Thursday 25 June 2015, West Region Manager Community Safety Michael Boatman was presented with a 35 year CFA service award by Deputy Chief Officer John Haynes at the West Region Conference.
“Boaty” started as a member of Crowlands brigade in 1980 whilst he had a Gap Year working on the family farm after completing HSC. His uncle was the Captain at this time. Whilst at Uni, he would come home for the summer holidays and turnout with the brigade when required.
He joined the CFA in June 1986 and after recruit training, spent time working in a number of departments at CFA HQ in Malvern. Later in 1986 Michael went to Melton as the ARO working in Central Zone and District 14, becoming the Risk Manager in District 17 and Risk Manager/Manager Community Safety in District 15/Grampians Region.
Boaty mentioned some highlights of his career thus far, going to the NSW fires in 1994 as the Day Strike Team Leader, being the first time CFA had gone interstate for deployment. He also went with the Australian contingent to Canada last year.
In his role as Manager Community Safety West Region, he has been involved in the development of the Halls Gap Community Safety Group and the implementation of the Blackwood Community Fire Refuge.
Peter O’Keefe, Assistant Chief Officer, West Region congratulated Boaty on his 35 years of service, saying that Michael has provided key leadership to staff and volunteers and is an integral part of the Risk Management/Community Safety team within CFA.
Author: Samantha Plater