Community Captain commended for his leadership

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Member News image Recipient and Kerang Fire Brigade Captain Ramon Steel with CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan

Highly respected community member and Kerang Fire Brigade Captain Ramon Steel has officially been commended for his leadership throughout various flood events.

Ramon received the Chief Officer’s Commendation certificate at the brigade’s presentation night on Friday, 12 July, which was a welcome surprise for both Ramon and his members.

While he has demonstrated an impressive number of achievements in his 20 years as Captain and throughout his 40 years volunteering, it is his expansive efforts during the 2011 and 2022 floods that are cause for commendation at this level.

Regarded highly by locals in Kerang and surrounds, Ramon is known widely for his impeccable leadership skills and having the ability to bring various people together to achieve an outcome.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said he was extremely proud of Ramon’s committed and determined approach throughout what was such a challenging time for Victoria.

“I commend Ramon for his outstanding courage and composure alongside multi-agencies as he led recovery teams through floodwaters and rescue efforts, and for exhibiting the true spirit of CFA at all times,” Jason said.

“The selfless acts of leadership and generosity exemplify the dedication he has as a firefighter, with the protection of lives and property at the forefront of his service.

“Ramon is well deserving of this Commendation, and I am honoured to present him with this accolade in front of those who know his true nature best.”

In the most recent disastrous flood event in October 2022, it was Ramon who pulled together various people from different agencies to provide not only practical response but instil hope and encouragement among those affected.

Working effectively with the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES), Ramon coordinated crews of people at short notice to respond to numerous requests for assistance and impressively coordinated production and distribution of over 200,000 sandbags.

Commendation recipient Ramon Steel said the recognition was completely unexpected.

“I am very humbled to receive such a prestigious award from the Chief. We don't do it for awards and recognition, but when it comes your way, it does makes you humble, and feel very much appreciated,” Ramon said.

Although Kerang has experienced some significant events over the years under his watch, including two major pub fires, the rail disaster and most recently the hay shed fire that spanned seven hay sheds, Ramon describes the flood events as extremely challenging.

“We had to have someone stand up and coordinate, and I was fortunate enough to have a good rapport in the community with the locals, so together with the fire brigade we were able to facilitate a lot of civilian volunteers to compliment us and Kerang VICSES.

“I coordinated all that through other members on Facebook and we had a big working bee going making and delivering the sandbags. It was a community-wide effort.”

The three-month period that Ramon dedicated to his community was often to the detriment of his own family and work commitments, and for this he has been widely praised and revered by those who witnessed his incredible efforts.