Kerang Fire Brigade captain Ramon Steel has officially been commended for his leadership throughout various flood events.
Mr Steel received the Chief Officer’s Commendation certificate at the brigade’s presentation night on July 12, which was surprise for him and his members.
While he has demonstrated an impressive number of achievements in his 20 years as captain and throughout his 40 years volunteering, it is his efforts during the 2011 and 2022 floods that are cause for commendation at this level.
Mr Steel is known for his leadership skills and having the ability to bring various people together to achieve an outcome.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said he was extremely proud of Mr Steel’s committed and determined approach throughout what was such a challenging time for Victoria.
“I commend Ramon for his outstanding courage and composure alongside multi-agencies as he led recovery teams through floodwaters and rescue efforts, and for exhibiting the true spirit of CFA at all times,” Mr Heffernan said.
“The selfless acts of leadership and generosity exemplify the dedication he has as a firefighter, with the protection of lives and property at the forefront of his service.
“Ramon is well deserving of this commendation, and I am honoured to present him with this accolade in front of those who know his true nature best.”
In the most recent flood event in October 2022, Mr Steel pulled together various people from different agencies to provide not only a practical response but instil hope and encouragement among those affected.
Working with the Victorian State Emergency Service, Mr Steel coordinated crews of people at short notice to respond to numerous requests for assistance, and coordinated production and distribution of more than 200,000 sandbags.
Mr Steel said the recognition was completely unexpected.
“I am very humbled to receive such a prestigious award from the chief,” he said.
“We don't do it for awards and recognition, but when it comes your way, it does makes you humble, and feel very much appreciated.”
Although Kerang has experienced some significant events over the years under his watch — including two major pub fires, the rail disaster and most recently the hayshed fire that spanned seven haysheds — Mr Steel said the flood events were extremely challenging.
“We had to have someone stand up and coordinate, and I was fortunate enough to have a good rapport in the community with the locals, so together with the fire brigade we were able to facilitate a lot of civilian volunteers to complement us and Kerang VICSES.
“I coordinated all that through other members on Facebook and we had a big working bee going making and delivering the sandbags. It was a community-wide effort.”
The three months Mr Steel dedicated to his community was often to the detriment of his own family and work commitments.