Photo: (left to right) DCO Rohan Luke, CEO Natalie MacDonald, Casterton Fire Brigade members Brian and Bevan Wombwell, CO Jason Heffernan, Board Member Peter Shaw
Thirty-four local volunteer firefighters and CFA staff members from District 4 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 the weekend, firefighters from CFA’s District 4 became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 fires.
The event was attended by Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM, CFA CEO Natalie MacDonald, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Rohan Luke.
CFA Board Member Peter Shaw 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,” he said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal and we 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 and acknowledged their work both locally and across the state during the bushfire crisis.
Cashmore Captain and medal recipient Regina Punton said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“It has been wonderful for all of us to be recognised for the time and commitment we, as volunteers have put forward to look after our community,” she said.
“We do it because we care for our community not for the awards, but we are thankful to be recognised.”
Photo: Cashmore Fire Brigade members Rory Punton (left) and Regina Punton (right)-
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