CFA members awarded Australian Fire Service Medal

The Australian Fire Service Medal

Three CFA members were awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in this year's Australia Day honours: Deputy Chief Officer, Manager Operations Performance Improvement Greg Esnouf, Region 7 Operations Manager Bob Barry and Longwood brigade Firefighter Thomas Brodie.

The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services. It is awarded to both paid and volunteer members, and is one of six meritorious awards in the Australian honours system.

Deputy Chief Officer, Manager Operations Performance Improvement Greg Esnouf was recognised for his distinguished service in the field of fire management, performance measurement and standard setting. Greg has developed a range of systems and processes across two agencies to improve the measurement, performance and quality of outcomes for the services, greatly improving the operational aspects of firefighting. His efforts have directly lead to improvements in the safety of firefighters, the efficiency of firefighting efforts and the effective development of legislative and policy frameworks that support field operations across all agencies in Australia.

Region 7 Operations Manager Robert Barry received the honour in recognition of 32 years of distinguished service in CFA, as both a volunteer and career staff member. Bob has served through the ranks, from volunteer firefighter to Regional Operations Manager. In his senior operational position he has demonstrated exceptional performance and efficiency in fire service operations. He has successfully managed several major fires and incidents, as well as major events.

Longwood Rural Fire Brigade Firefighter Thomas Brodie was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and outstanding leadership in the areas of volunteerism, equipment design and organisational development. Tom has been a strong advocate for change within the volunteer structure of CFA, and was elected an inaugural Board Member of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria. He is also a strong advocate for improved support for CFA volunteers, particularly in regard to welfare and consultation processes with the view to sustainable volunteerism.

We congratulate Greg, Bob and Tom for their fantastic achievements.

Congratulations also to Neil Bennett of Stawell brigade and Thomas Ford, AFSM of Miners Rest brigade, who were awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the General Division. Neil was recognised for his service to the community of Stawell, particularly through CFA. Thomas was honoured for his service to the community of Ballarat, through school, sporting and service organisations.

To read more about the Australian Fire Service Medal, visit the CFA website. The It's an Honour website also has information about this and other Australian Government honours.

If you know of any other CFA members who have received Australia Day honours this year, please let us know so we can add them to the list of recipients.