VETERAN Penola Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteer John Benson, has dedicated a remarkable 30 years to the brigade, earning him life membership and the honour of the prestigious National Medal.
After starting his volunteer work with the Penola CFS in October 1968 and continuing to serve until 1977, Mr Benson then moved away from the region and returned in 1996 to once again become an active member.
His roles within the brigade involved serving as the brigade equipment officer three times, spanning over 10 years and serving as third lieutenant for six years.
“I find volunteering with the CFS extremely rewarding and enjoy helping the town through times of crisis,” Mr Benson said.
Some difficult battles faced during his time as a CFS volunteer include fighting the devastating 2001/02 Sydney bush fires, the Kangaroo Island devastation and the Heywood, Nelson and Dartmoor fires.
He has also attended many house fires and car accidents across the region.
“Scenes at these incidents can definitely be difficult to witness, however I am lucky enough to not personally have known someone involved in an accident I have attended,” Mr Benson said.
The courageous volunteer said he enjoyed mentoring members of the younger generation after rejoining the brigade.
When commenting on receiving the award, Mr Benson said he was proud and gave credit to the team at the Penola CFS.
Penola CFS 1st Lieutenant Peter Robinson said Mr Benson was a key member of the team.
“Both awards recognise his outstanding years of service to the brigade and the greater Penola community, which all of us in the brigade thank him for,” he said.
Mr Robinson said he appreciated the way the life member was always there to help out the younger team members when needed or contribute towards duties around the station.
Other Penola CFS members awarded for their work last month included Penola CFS Captain Kimeyl McElroy, who received the National Service Medal, and Wattle Range Group CFS deputy officer Simon Cox, who was awarded a CFS 10 Year Service Medal.
Volunteers Teegan Vanderheul and Christian Fraser were both Fire Fighter of the Year recipients, with Andrew Rogers and Daniel McRostie both receiving the Captain’s Choice Award.
