Four decades of service

Deputy Chief Officer West Region Michael Boatman, more affectionally known as ‘Boaty’, officially retired on Wednesday 5 January, after more than 41 years of service with CFA.

Mr Boatman’s CFA career started on 30 June 1986 at what was then CFA’s headquarters in Milton Parade, Malvern. However, long before this, Michael had been a member of the Crowlands Rural Fire Brigade in District 16, since early 1980.

Bernard Boatman, Michael’s uncle, served as Captain of Crowlands for 32 years (1969-2001). His grandfather, Leslie Alexander Wilson Boatman, also served as Captain; there are no official records, though it’s known he served for a very long time.

During his career with CFA, Mr Boatman held various roles including Assistant Regional Officer, Risk Manager in Horsham, Manager Community Safety for the whole of Grampians/West Region, as well as several higher duties roles as Regional Director, Executive Manager Community Safety and Assistant Chief Officer (now named Deputy Chief Officer).

Former District 15 ACFO and fellow West Region alumni, Brett Boatman said to set the record straight once and for all, he and Michael are NOT brothers. They are only very distantly related via their great-great-grandfather.

Brett spoke of Michael’s involvement in West Region since 1996, where his understated support has not always been visible, but very much appreciated.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-01-25/11

in the 25 January 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.