Charlotte Varcoe
SIX local Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) firefighters have been recognised for more than a decade’s service.
During an intimate ceremony held on Tuesday night, the firefighters were recognised for 10, 15, 25 and 35 years of commitment to the job.
Fire station officer Adrian Puust was recognised for his 35 years of service while Rob Baker and Robert Duff were recognised for 25 years.
John Snell, Matthew Bryant and Eddie Sakkers were all recognised for reaching the 10 year milestone.
Assistant chief fire officer Peter Button made the trip to Mount Gambier/Berrin to award the locals and congratulate them on their service.
Mr Button said with regards to the 10 year Exemplary Service Medal, it was important for the fire service to recognise the service firefighters gave back to their community.
“The public of South Australia issued that medal back in 2012 at the 100th and 150th year anniversary and it is for any staff that have served the organisation for 10 years with exemplary service,” Mr Button said.
“It is really important for us to recognise the service of our staff.”
He said the 15 year medal was a national medal issued by the federal government for any workers in high risk industries including firefighting.
“Again it is very important for us to recognise those staff that give 15 years of their personal lives towards protecting the community and then every subsequent 10 years after the 15 years they get a class and a dot which goes onto the bar they wear everyday,” Mr Button said.
“It is very important for us to recognise the diligent service and over 15, 25 and 35 years is extraordinary.”
He said he was impressed with all retained staff who worked and lived in their community.
“They are at risk of seeing people they know, their own family members on their worst days,” Mr Button said.
“It is really important for us to look after them and our job is to empower them to do their job as safely as possible, provide them the supervision, training and equipment to do their jobs safely and protect their community.”
He said he was impressed and humbled to travel to Mount Gambier/Berrin and provide local firefighters with their awards.
“The MFS is here to support the community that reaches out to us for anything, for home fire safety events and for information about smoke alarms,” he said.
“We are very happy for them to contact our local stations.
“We are really pleased to be able to provide our crews to go out amongst the community, to do the community activities, visit schools and buildings, even nursing homes or anything like that.”
