.jpg "Deputy Chief Officer Bill Johnstone AFSM, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Kyabram recipients Ashley Corrin, Wayne Peterson, Amana Roberts, Jodie Elvey, Brooke Giddings, Renae Flemming, CFA Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM")
Deputy Chief Officer Bill Johnstone AFSM, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Kyabram recipients Ashley Corrin, Wayne Peterson, Amana Roberts, Jodie Elvey, Brooke Giddings, Renae Flemming, CFA Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM
140 local volunteer firefighters and CFA staff members have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.
At ceremonies across two weekends, on Sunday, 15 September and Friday, 20 September, from across the Campaspe, Gannawarra and Loddon catchments became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 fires.
CFA Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM presented the medals and said they were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members.
“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” Peter said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts.
“The 2019/2020 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria,” Jason said.
“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am extremely proud of all of them.
“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution was valuable made a real difference.”
Darrell Phillips, recipient and Captain of Echuca Village, said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“The 2019-2020 bushfires marked the beginning of a series of challenging events. In a short time, we faced fires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and then floods,” Darrell said.
“Those fires remain etched in my memory.
“As a recipient of the National Emergency Medal, I know this recognition wouldn't have been possible without the incredible team effort of our volunteers and families.”
.jpg "DCO Bill Johnstone, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Rochester Captain Luke Warren, Vaughan Thomas, Brent Sweeney, Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM. Front row: Heidi Warren, Hayley Ettershank, Tania Barkby, Raymond Liddicoat")
DCO Bill Johnstone, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Rochester Captain Luke Warren, Vaughan Thomas, Brent Sweeney, Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM. Front row: Heidi Warren, Hayley Ettershank, Tania Barkby, Raymond Liddicoat-
DCO Bill Johnstone, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Christian Barkby , Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM
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