By JESSE GRAHAM
MARYSVILLE firefighters have been awarded for their efforts in the Black Saturday bushfires, receiving National Emergency Medals in a special presentation.
The presentation for the Alexandra group of fire brigades took place on Friday 28 March at which 16 Marysville firefighters were given their awards by Seymour MP Cindy McLeish.
The National Emergency Awards were given to 123 firefighters on the evening, celebrating each member’s work to protect the community during the tragic 2009 bushfires.
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Bushfire Response Kim Wells said the medals were a tangible symbol of the state’s gratitude to the firefighters.
“Five years may have passed since the fires on and around Black Saturday, but Australia has not forgotten the bravery of CFA members and sacrifices made during the summer of 2008-2009,” he said.
Marysville CFA Captain John Ratcliffe said that he thought the medals were well deserved by all of the members who worked to quell the fires in 2009, but emphasised that firefighters don’t sign up for the glory of medals.
“It’s good that they get rewarded for their work,” he said.
“But we don’t go after medals or anything – we’re there for the community. That’s what we do this for.”
Ms McLeish said that the medal recipients showed bravery in a time of immense danger to the community and congratulated the members on their awards.
“The actions of these deserving CFA members at a time when lives, communities, homes and livestock were under direct threat are a shining example of the commitment and dedication shown by our emergency services personnel every day,” she said.
National Emergency Medals were launched in 2011 to recognise sustained service to others during declared nationally-significant emergencies.
A total of 4470 National Emergency Medals have been awarded to CFA members who fought the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, with official presentation ceremonies still taking place.
Acheron, Alexander Rural, Alexander Urban, Buxton, Eildon, Taggerty, Tallarook, Thornton, Whanregarwen and Yarck, as well as District 12 staff also received awards on the evening.
