Citizen's Commendation awarded at Barnawartha Annual Dinner

Jaymee Faz and Grant Pimm being presented with their joint Citizen's Commendation by Board Member Ross Coyle

 

The night of 18 September 12022 could very well have been remembered in a very different light if not for the actions of Barnawartha Fire Brigade volunteers Jaymee Faz and Grant Pimm.

 

A cold and miserable night changed dramatically when a structure fire started on main street, Barnawartha. The actions of Jaymee and Grant went a long way to saving the lives of their neighbours that night.

To recognise their extraornary effort, Barnawartha brigade nominated both for a Citizen's Commendation and the award was presented at Barnawartha brigade's annual dinner on 12 August at the Star hotel in Barnawartha - an establishment which has its own history having been significantly damaged by fire in 2006.

Attended by 60 members and their families, the significance of the Citizen's Commendation was not lost on the audience. 

Nor was the presentation of service medals to brigade members which amounted to a total of 965 years of service to the community. 

Combined with the presentation of National Emergency Medals to five members and 2nd clasps for the National Medal to three other members meant that CFA Board Member Ross Coyle had a busy night.

With Commander Trevor Logan being assisted by Brigade Administrative Support Officer Tony Cattermole, the presentations to the 32 recipients went seamlessly. 

Special mention and thanks goes to the photographer on the night. Hudson Weber, who cannot wait to join the brigade and stand alongside his three brothers and parents who are already serving their community. Being a fairly typical nine-year-old, Hudson had no trouble at all getting smiles for the camera.

Brigade Captain Xavier Stanford welcomed all and spoke about the contributions made by members over the past 12 months. He talked about not only the number of brigade turnouts, but also the many other areas the brigade members were involved in. Barnawartha brigade members represent VFBV at state level, are involved in the Rutherglen Group and are members of the District 23 and 24 peer team.

 

Submitted by	GEOFFREY BARTER