Stanhope Fire Brigade presentation and awards night

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Award recipients

Stanhope Fire Brigade recognised more than 500 years of combined service at their recent awards and presentation night.

Held for the first time in six years, the event also included the awarding of Life Memberships as well as recognition of members' efforts during the 2019-2020 bushfires and diligent service in hazardous conditions.

The night was MC’d by brigade 3^rd Lieutenant Tanner Stokes and attended by CFA invitees including Commander Luke Waterson, BASO Abi Sergienko and Waranga Group Officer Rob Brown.

VFBV District 20 President and state councillor Greg Murphy as well as other dignitaries including Federal Member for Nichols Sam Birrell, Shire of Campaspe Councillor Adrian Weston and Stanhope Victoria Police Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti were also in attendance.

Captain Chris Dent reflected on past years and the vast achievements of the brigade including new equipment, new members, community events, FEM and support to their Group and neighbouring brigades.

"All this without factoring in emergency response calls," Chris said, "a fantastic effort for a brigade that operates with less than 30 members, with approximately 15 of these being active firefighters."

Passionately, Chris spent time thanking the families that constantly support and cherish their loved ones who dedicate their time in volunteering to protect their communities.

"Our families and loved ones are the backbone to CFA," he said.

"They are the ones that miss out on family time and pick up the extra load around homes when their partners are away, similarly to our work colleagues.

"When we speak to community members about volunteering to help, we always hear that they don’t have the time. Our current members don’t necessarily have the time either but they make the time because the care for others safety and wellbeing and want to help other in times of need."

Along with the many service awards that were presented to brigade members including CFA Life Members Rob Armstrong, Bruce Spencer and Norm Cheong, Chris had the honour of bestowing a brigade and CFA Life Membership to ex-captain (and his father) Peter Dent.

Peter was captain for more than 12 years, leading the brigade during many campaign fires, notably the brigade's response and support during the 2009 Black Saturday fires. He was at the helm when the brigade received its first crew cab 2.4c tanker and light pumper and advocated strongly for their current medium tanker. His ability to lead through change and adapt was solidified during the boundary realignment which saw the brigade shift from District 22 into District 20, bringing many new challenges and new relationships.

The brigade opened a new station in 2014 and Peter advocated strongly for many adjustments to suit the growing needs of the brigade. During his time at the brigade, Peter was also Secretary and held ranks as Lieutenant before and after his captaincy. He still remains a respected mentor, leader and friend.

National Emergency medals for the 2019-2020 fires were awarded to 1^st Lieutenant Belinda Braithwaite and 2^nd Lieutenant Trystan Harris for their efforts during these fires, notably their Strike Team deployments to both Queensland and New South Wales.

National Medals for diligent service in hazardous condition and respective clasps were presented to Captain Chris Dent (National medal), Norm Cheong (National Medal and 1^st,2^nd & 3^rd clasp), Rob Armstrong (2^nd Clasp), and Bruce Spencer (2^nd & 3^rd Clasp).

Malcolm Douglas was awarded the National Medal 1^st & 2^nd Clasp at the brigade monthly meeting due to missing the presentation night.