CFA Cohuna has celebrated several significant milestones and achievements, detailing the commitment of their firefighters to the community.
Lee Chrichton, Shayne Conlan, Darren Sherlock, Adrian Stone and Stuart Barker were presented with Nation Emergency Medals for their service during the 2019/20 bushfires, acknowledging their dedicated to their surrounding communities.
The National Emergency Medal is an operational service medal which recognises significant or sustained service to others in response to nationally significant emergencies in Australia.
More than 8,200 CFA staff and volunteers responded, working both on the firegrounds and behind the scenes as support workers and arranging logistics and supplies.
Mr Stone extended his award to the rest of the brigade who answered the call to the catastrophic fires without meeting the required minimum time served to receive the medal but still put their lives on the line to respond to the emergency.
The inaugural Shayne Doyle Memorial Award was presented to Lachlan Mathers for showing initiative, a willing attitude to improve himself and others, and his active participation in the brigade.
The new award remembers the commitment and determination of the late Shane Doyle, who served CFA Cohuna from 2004 to 2011, rising to the rank of Third Lieutenant and completing as much training as he could.
His wife Sheri presented the award to Mr Mathers, who is constantly looking to improve his knowledge and skills and is always putting up his hand to assist others.
Bill Frantz received his 65 Year Service Award and Bruce Embleton received his 40 Year Service Award.
Former captain Rob Waterson’s years of dedication were recognised among other inductees to the Turnout Club, receiving the first CFA Cohuna 1000 Club award alongside Bruce Embleton.
While records have only been kept online since 1997, it is estimated that Mr Waterson has attended 2500 turnouts.
Ashton Dye was awarded Firefighter of the Year, for his willingness to step up and lead, to learn from his peers and involvement and presence in the station over the past 12 months.
