Gippsland firies were acknowledged for their “courage and commitment” during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires at a ceremony in Morwell on Sunday afternoon.
The 120 Gippsland Country Fire Authority members received National Emergency Medals marked ‘Vic Fires 09’ from State Member for Morwell Russell Northe at Kernot Hall.
Recipient Roger Pither, a retired Boolarra brigade firefighter, said while it was nice to be recognised, medals and awards were not the reason he or anyone he knew volunteered.
“I was always involved for the service to community, not for what you get out of it,” Mr Pither said.
“It’s nice to be acknowledged, but I’m sure it’s not anything the Boolarra brigade members would think of getting.”
Mr Pither, who was first lieutenant during the Delburn and Churchill fires, said managing to save a house on McDonald Way in Churchill after the wind changed stood out as a memorable moment.
Mr Northe, who was representing Emergency Services and Police Minister Kim Wells, said the CFA members provided sustained service and support to protect communities during a period of great destruction and loss.
“These award recipients fought bravely to protect lives and property during an extremely long and difficult fire campaign and I want to commend them for their courage and commitment,” Mr Northe said.
The National Emergency Medal was established to recognise sustained service to others during a declared nationally significant emergency.
Earlier this year National Emergency Medals were awarded to 224 State Emergency Service members for their service in the 2009 bushfires.
