Blackwood Fire Brigade Awards Presentation

By Irene Keating

The recently renovated St Martin’s Chapel in the heart of Blackwood played backdrop to the Brigade’s awards presentation evening on Saturday 28 October.

Alongside 14 of their members, who received service awards ranging from 5 years to a stellar 35 and 45-year service, two members, Peter Daglish and Leon Rolls, were presented with their National Emergency Medal for service rendered during the nationally significant 2019-20 bushfires by West Region DCO Brett Boatman.

Captain Ross Hall said the Brigade does not have a big membership.

“But, we all understand the fire risk and relative isolation of a small town surrounded by state forest,” he said.

“The members work together to make sure we are well trained and prepared for fires and other emergencies including the June 2021 storm event.”

Mr Hall said the brigade performs all of the checks for the Community Fire Refuge component of their Fire Station during the Fire Danger Period.

“And, we work with the local community to ensure they are familiar with the Fire Refuge.”

DCO Boatman thanked all members for their service to the Brigade, CFA, and the community of Blackwood.

SERVICE AWARDS
5 Year Medal
Peter Daglish
Daryle Johnson
Claire Purchase
Mark Purchase
Russell Schoenfisch

10 Year Medal
Karl Church
Pat Larizza
Leon Rolls

15 Year Medal
Ross Hall

25 Year Medal
Gary Amy

30 Year Medal
Ken Whiffin

35 Year Medal
Thomas Pywell

45 Year Medal
Ian Stewart

National Emergency Medal
Peter Daglish
Leon Rolls
Pat Larizza (absent)