KORUMBURRA Fire Brigade has honoured CFA members and their families for their valuable dedication with service awards representing one hundred and sixty-five years of combined service.
Korumburra CFA volunteers Jenni Denney and Joe Sheppard were presented with five-year service awards, Jarred Haw ten-years, Michael Blogg twenty-five years, Ross Harris thirty-years, Michael
Austin forty-years and Bill Rodda an exceptional fifty-years of service award.
The annual presentation night with fire brigade members, CFA leaders and members of the local community celebrated one hundred and twenty-five years of service by the Korumburra Fire Brigade at The Grove, Krowera.
Catchment Commander Gavin Parker said he was honoured to be able to present service awards recognising the long history of the brigade serving the local community.
The Rodda family’s Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Sarah Davies for the second year running.
The Firefighter of the Year award is voted by fellow brigade members and was presented by Bill Rodda, a recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
Captain Shane Maskell said the CFA is like a family.
“We are a very social and welcoming brigade, and I believe that is one of the reasons we are able to retain and hopefully continue to attract new members,” said Captain Maskell.
“We really pride ourselves on our representation in firefighting strike teams.
“We consistently have members putting their hands up to go away and help both in Victoria and interstate including Queensland.”
Members from the Korumburra Fire Brigade Captain Shane Maskell and Sarah Davies together with Captain Dannielle O’Loughlin of the Berrys Creek Fire Brigade were recently involved in the Hawthorn vs Richmond AFL emergency services round.
Korumburra and Berrys Creek members along with CFA volunteers from Drouin West, Warragul and Erica travelled to the MCG with the Korumburra tanker and Drouin West ultralight to be involved in this special event.
Operating from Yarra Park with two CFA education vans the Korumburra members and their families were privileged to be a part of a fun-packed afternoon at the Emergency Service’s Foundation Family Matter Expo before the match.
Captain Shane Maskell was invited to represent CFA District Nine in a guard of honour and all members were part of an emergency service lap of honour at half time.
The special AFL match highlighted the role of emergency services personnel and raised awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the sector.
CFA members were proud to stand side-by-side with partner agencies to celebrate the valuable work emergency services do to keep Victorians safe.
“At the end of the day, we’re volunteers and we’re there to help our community and I think that’s appreciated,” said Captain Maskell.
