Smythesdale firefighters receive service awards

EIGHT Smythesdale Fire Brigade volunteers were honoured during a special presentation at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve this month.

National Medals for 15 years of service, were awarded to Frank Bleicher, Nathan Bootsman, Trevor Hogg, Lauren Parker, Tim Pierce, Tim Rogers, and Mathew Tonkin.

Dermot Moynihan received two clasps with his, signifying 35 years’ service.

Mr Pierce said he and his fellow firefighters don’t volunteer with CFA for the glory, but were grateful to be recognised.

“You come into the district, do your little bit, and every bit counts,” he said.

“I enjoy the camaraderie, the sense of being part of the community, and gaining another skillset.”

CFA board member Rachel Thomson presented each recipient with their medal.

“Awards of this calibre do not come easily and I hope that this medal goes some way in recognising this hard work and dedication,” she said.

“I’d like to thank all of you for your continued involvement supporting the brigade in the many various ways that you do, from firefighting to training, brigade support, community education, fundraising, hosting social events, and participating on strike teams.

“We recognise the outstanding efforts made by all of you in many different capacities, giving up both your personal and work lives to help not only your community, but communities within your district, region, and also throughout the state.”

National Medals are presented to those who have served with emergency, correctional, protective, and other approved voluntary services.

“The medal is suspended by a crown with a bar attached to a ribbon of 15 alternating gold and blue vertical stripes, symbolising 15 years of service,” Ms Thomson said.

“Each 10-year period is recognised by presentation of a clasp in the form of a narrow bronze bar that has 10 raised circular markings.”

Ms Parker got involved with the CFA 24 years ago as the daughter of the brigade’s captain and was proud to be rewarded on Sunday.

“I’ve met a lot of new people and love helping out the community,” she said.