Firefighters recognised for their service

SIX members of the Heathcote Fire Brigade received service awards last weekend at a presentation event held at the Heathcote Bowling Club.

Firefighters Nick Psaila and Brendan Underhill both received five-year certificates, while firefighter Peter Hooke received his medal for 15 years’ service.

Brigade member Joe Marton received a 25-year medal and firefighters Fred Miller and Graeme Reid received 35 and 45 year medals respectively.

Two members unable to attend, Genevieve McKenzie-McHarg and 3^rd Lieutenant Ricky Leyshan and both will both be awarded 10-year medals at a future meeting.

Heathcote CFA Captain Carl Watkins said it was great to see members recognised for the time and effort they put in.

“There is a lot of time that they put into training, community events and community education,” he said.

“It is purely volunteer, and they are recognised for that along with the work they do on the fire ground, in Victoria and interstate when they go away to fight fires.

“No one signs up and does this for the recognition, but it is really good to honour these people for their service.”