Truganina Brigade Captain Mark Hatton and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
CFA’s Truganina Fire Brigade has been honoured with a Chief Officer’s Commendation for their response to a fatal car crash in 2021.
CFA units from Truganina and Werribee, as well as other emergency services responded to the incident on Doherty’s Road, Truganina on Thursday 30 September.
Four young people were killed, and two passengers were seriously injured when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck. The truck driver also sustained injuries.
The Commendation noted the “professional manner and skills displayed by the crews in responding to this complex and challenging incident are worthy of recognition and gratitude.”
Werribee Fire Brigade will also be awarded a commendation in the coming months.
Truganina Captain Mark Hatton said they don’t do it for the recognition, but when they do get recognised they really appreciate it.
“I joined CFA as a volunteer when I was 18 years old, I was young and had a lot of spare time, and it has now become a lifelong passion”, he said.
“The brigade and I are dedicated to serving our community and we’re honoured to receive this award.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said he was proud of CFA and all emergency services’ response that night.
“Our volunteers from Werribee and Truganina responded with the utmost professionalism and care to this tragic incident,” he said.
“No matter the time of day or complexity of the job, when the call comes our volunteers are always on hand to help people in their time of need.
“I am incredibly grateful for the response of our crews and other emergency services who did everything they could in the face of an horrific road crash scene.”
All CFA personnel involved in the incident have been offered wellbeing support.