National Emergency Medals are commissioned by the Federal Government following an event or disaster that required significant support from emergency service respondents, many of whom go above and beyond to help their community when it’s needed most.
Last week, Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire and Strathbogie Shire firefighters were presented with their medals in ceremonies in Shepparton and Euroa for their essential work during the 2019-20 bushfires.
Around 40 Greater Shepparton volunteer firefighters were bestowed this honour on Thursday, June 22, at Eastbank, Shepparton.
News journalist Jay Bryce headed along to the ceremony to have a chat with some of the recipients about their history volunteering, and have them shed some light on the importance of protecting and serving the community.
Blade Larkins: Mooroopna Fire Brigade
How did you start out volunteering as a firefighter? I started off in juniors in Euroa, transitioned over to Mooroopna in 2014, and have been there ever since.
I’ve held roles in recent times in third lieutenant capacity and now up to fire lieutenant.
What does volunteering mean to you, and why do you do it? It’s an opportunity to support the community in which you live and try to prevent bad situations from turning worse.
I try to help out wherever I can, whether it’s in my volunteer role or just personally, especially those in need.
Everyone at the brigade is unreal, we’re like a family — you have to trust people in the brigade with your life at some of the jobs we go to.
Mario Commisso: Toolamba Fire Brigade
How did you start out volunteering as a firefighter? I went in in ’98 because I was sick and tired of hearing the siren going, so I walked in and asked if there was any chance of joining.
They asked me if I had a truck licence, I said yes, they said you’re in.
I didn’t know anything about it until I moved to Toolamba, and 25 years later I’m still there.
What does volunteering mean to you, and why do you do it? Means everything, really.
I went with my brother Frank during the fires.
You couldn’t see anything. It’s not scary but, you know.
You’re in there to do a job and you go for it.
Noel Wood: Mooroopna Fire Brigade
How did you start out volunteering as a firefighter? Goes back nearly 40 years.
I was driver training the volunteers, and they asked me to join Mooroopna. I moved up through the various training courses, and then in the early ’90s I went into the aviation section and flew a lot of missions, all over Victoria. You name it, I’ve been there.
I was born in Mooroopna Hospital and came back here, have been here a long time.
I suppose I’m one of the older fellas at the brigade, or you could say ‘mature’.
What does volunteering mean to you, and why do you do it? I’m there for the community, and I can help the junior fireys coming through.
Frank Commisso: North-West Mooroopna Fire Brigade
How did you start out volunteering as a firefighter? Twenty years ago. My brother was in it.
What does volunteering mean to you, and why do you do it? You haven’t really got time to think, you just go in there, get it done, get everybody out safe.
We didn’t see daylight for three days.
Sirens going all the time, you can only see about 100 metres in front of you.
But somebody has to do it.