Photo: (left to right) District 18 ACFO Gavin Wright, Outstanding Service Medal recipient Noel Harvey and CFA Group General Manager Support Services Kylee Bates.
A long-serving Swan Hill Fire Brigade firefighter has been presented with one of CFA’s most prestigious awards at the brigade’s annual awards night.
Noel Harvey was presented with the CFA Outstanding Service Medal which recognises prolonged service, distinguished by exceptional performance.
His 57 years with CFA started when he was 17 years old, and has included significant leadership roles including captain of Swan Hill Urban Fire Brigade and Group Officer of Mid Murray Group.
“I didn’t chase those roles, I was actually asked to do them so somebody must have thought I was the right person, but I think I held my own in those positions,” Noel said.
“When I first joined the brigade, we only had one truck and a trailer pump along with knapsacks and beaters.
“Now there are three trucks, a salvage van, and an FCV so it’s quite a transformation and we’re pretty well equipped here now.”
Noel was also influential in pushing for a new fire station at Swan Hill.
“The Rural Brigade Captain and I made sure we pushed for a four-bay station which we ended up getting, and it’s still standing up to today’s requirements,” he said.
CFA District 18 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Wright said Noel was also instrumental in building a local capacity for strike teams from the area.
“He was leading change and innovation in the district, especially with encouraging brigades to support strike teams heading outside the district which is not something that we did a lot of at the time,” said ACFO Wright.
“This award is not just about years of service, it’s also about the work that goes alongside that.”
Noel, who received the medal from CFA Group Manager Kylee Bates, said it was an honour to have his work recognised.
“I think the award shows that CFA appreciates those who really put in a lot of time into what they do,” Noel said.