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A further 14 volunteer firefighters from Wairewa have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-20 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 a ceremony on Saturday 29 March, firefighters from across the Wairewa region became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-20 fires.
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Aaron Worcester 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 2019-20 bushfire crisis,” Aaron said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal, and I 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.
“The 2019-20 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria,” Jason said.
“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution was valuable made a real difference."
Wairewa Fire Brigade Captain and medal recipient Julian Davies said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“Volunteer fireys don’t do the job for praise or awards – we do it to help out fellow Australians in need,” Julian said.
“That said, it is nice for the hard work of our volunteers to be formally recognised in this way.”