Chief Officer Jason Heffernan with Werribee Captain Michael Wells
A Chief Officer's Commendation has been presented to Werribee Fire Brigade to recognise its response to a tragic road crash in 2021.
Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli accepted the commendation on behalf of crew members who attended the incident on Doherty's Road in Truganina on Thursday, 30 September.
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.”
CFA units from Truganina and Werribee, as well as other emergency services, responded to the incident where four young people were killed and two passengers suffered serious injuries when their car collided with a truck. The truck driver was also injured.
Truganina Fire Brigade was presented with a commendation for their effort in the response to the incident by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan earlier this year.
Chief Officer Heffernan expressed his pride in the collective response from emergency services.
“CFA volunteers responded to this tragic event with the utmost professionalism and care,” he said.
“It demonstrates just how dedicated the brigade members are and the services they provide to the community, especially the road crash rescue personnel.
“As undoubtedly one of the busiest CFA brigades in the state, Werribee Fire Brigade works hard to serve the community.”
During the presentation, the brigade was also honoured with a belated commendation from former Chief Officer Steve Warrington AFSM, for another tragic road crash in July 2018 on Hopkins Road, Truganina.
The commendation detailed the long and proud history dedication and commitment CFA has to the protection of others.
Chief Officer Warrington wrote “The character displayed by the crews in responding to this complex and challenging incident is worthy of recognition and exemplifies the commitment to protecting lives and property. The Werribee Fire Brigade is a credit to CFA and the local community.”
Werribee Captain Michael Wells, who accepted the belated award said the tragedy that surrounded these tragic incidents highlights that CFA volunteers are often working under the most difficult circumstances
“It’s quite humbling to represent Werribee Fire Brigade as Captain knowing that when the pager goes off our members drop what they’re doing to help those in need,” he said.
“Our brigade members don’t volunteer for the recognition, but when they are recognised the pat on the back is deeply appreciated.”