Four distinguished CFA members have been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in recognition of their outstanding service through CFA as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The four members have more than 160 years of service between them and their contributions to emergency management have been exceptional.
The recipients have served in some of the most severe disasters in Victoria, interstate and internationally. They have also had positive impacts on their local communities and the wider CFA organisation.
The 2022 CFA Australian Fire Service Medal recipients are:
Alistair Drayton joined CFA as a volunteer over 40 years ago. He has exceptional fire and emergency management expertise, working as a Group Officer and being involved in incident management teams for the past 20 years.
John Cowan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, energy, and enthusiasm across his 43 years of service. His passion lies in ensuring there is a sustainable pool of future volunteer leaders experienced in emergency management to continue keeping Victorian communities safe.
Debra Luke’s involvement with CFA goes beyond her full-time role as Regional Operations Coordinator for North West Metro. She is also a well-respected volunteer who has just been elected as Captain of the District 14 Brigade which she will commence in July. Debra has also received a CFA Honorary Life Membership, a 40-year Service Award and a National Medal 1st Clasp National Emergency Medal in 2014.
Richard Cromb, has distinguished himself during his 50 years with CFA through his exemplary leadership and outstanding commitment to the training and education of firefighters. His service as both a volunteer and staff member also highlights his passion for community education in the prevention and suppression of fire as well as his commitment to encouraging new volunteer membership.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook congratulated the recipients on their exceptional contributions and outstanding achievements.
“CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country,” Garry said.
“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many amazing people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication.
CFA would also like to recognise Fire Rescue Victoria Assistant Chief Fire Officer James Dullard, who was also an AFSM recipient who has contributed significantly to CFA and Victoria’s fire services for more than 40 years.
Another four current and former CFA members were also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to their communities, including Graeme Legge, Alan Crosbie, Lyndon Hart, and Geoffrey Penna.