Michael Young has formed lasting friendships and many memories of exciting rescues in his 15 years as an SES volunteer with the Upper Yarra.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
SES VOLUNTEER Michael Young has been awarded a National Medal for his unfailing commitment and outstanding service with the Upper Yarra SES.
He said the rewards at the end of doing a job successfully were worth the hard work involved — whether attending crash scenes, searching for missing people, providing roadside stops to deter driver fatigue or responding to storm damage.
“There’s heaps of exciting rescues, but one of the proudest things is the whole unit and the way they work during the heat of the moment; they just carry on and do the job,” he said.
After 15 years with the crew, Mr Young is the deputy controller and responds whether he is at home in Launching Place or working further down the line.
“The coppers always appreciate what we do, but we rarely see the people we rescue,” he said.
“Sometimes, I like to follow up and see how the patient is going – we have a good relationship with the Yarra Junction ambos.”
Mr Young said no two jobs were ever the same, which keeps the volunteer work interesting, but makes it harder as well.
He credits his training and leadership skills to former member Rodney King, who he considered a mentor.
“I was speaking to the controller from Frankston (at the award ceremony), which is a very regimental unit, whereas up here we’re more laid back and easy going,” he said.
“But when we have to do something serious, everyone gears up and works together to get it done.”
Mr Young was one of 27 Victorian SES volunteers acknowledged at the 2011 State Emergency Service national awards in Ivanhoe on Sunday 13 November.
Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan said the volunteers were leaders in the community who selflessly gave their time protecting lives and property.
“Last year in Victoria alone, SES volunteers responded to more than 37,000 emergencies across the state with more than 23,000 storm-related and 13,000 flood-related calls for help, as well as 1000 road crash rescues,” he said.
