Portland Fire Brigade recognition of service awards

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Member News image Award recipients

Members of Portland Fire Brigade were recognised for their service to the community in August.

Portland Fire Brigade conducted their annual dinner to honor members who have given dedicated service to the CFA and the community. The evening commenced with a homage to the late former Captain Garry Mallen, who passed away unexpectedly at a shed fire in Portland in January this year, symbolised by a 'table set for one'.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Adrian Gutsche awarded CFA service accolades to members. Dylan Thomas and Jesse Hinkley were both honoured with five-year service certificates, Adam Hermelin was awarded a 10-year service medal, and Ryan Delony and Bobbie-Lee Nelson were recognised with 15-year service medals.

CFA Life Member awards are given to those who have served 30 years or more and have contributed to CFA in a way that has enhanced its standing with fellow members and the community. Aaron palmer who joined CFA in 1990 and Geoff Place who joined CFA in 1989 received 30-year service medals with Life Membership, and Stuart Richardson who joined CFA in 1983 received his 40-year service medal with Life Membership.

All recipients have held various leadership roles in the brigade and have significantly contributed to the brigade, the community, and CFA over the years, making them truly deserving of this accolade.

In addition to CFA awards, Portland Fire Brigade presented two distinct awards to acknowledge members' accomplishments.

The inaugural award, commemorating the late Ex-Captain Garry Mallen, is the Garry Mallen Encouragement Award. This award honours an individual who has shown exemplary leadership and has acquired new skills. Dylan Thomas was presented with this award by Captain Ian Hamley and Katie Mallen.

The Firefighter of the Year award is highly prestigious, second only to the top honour. It is awarded to a firefighter who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the brigade by consistently attending meetings, training sessions, and emergency callouts. This year's distinguished recipient was Jesse Hinkley, with the award presented by Captain Ian Hamley.