THE Hamilton Fire Brigade last week held their member service awards and recognition dinner at the Hamilton Racecourse.
After several years of not being able to meet face to face due to COVID-19, the evening nearly didn’t happen with the initial venue, Hamilton Exhibition and Convention Centre being flooded on the Friday evening – however the P&A Society, Hamilton Racing Club and brigade members came to the rescue in relocating the event.
The dinner was held to recognise the efforts brigade volunteers put into keeping the community safe and thank the members’ families, friends and employers who supported them throughout the year.
The brigade responded to 183 incidents in the last financial year ranging from building and scrub fires to rescues in the Grampians.
The evening saw a total of 405 years of service recognised.
Lieutenant Liam Kavanagh received his five-year certificate, Kelly Hitchcock and Damon Moritz received 10-year medals, Rodney Van De Hoef, Jenny Poynton and Sam Hay-Smith received 15-year service medals, Nathan Appledore 20 years, Malcolm Anderson 25 years, and Wayne Nagorcka, Ian Phillips, Bruce Farquharson and Susan Little-Anderson all received 35-year service medals.
Chris Watt was presented with his 40-year service medal, and Wayne Brooks his 45-year service medal.
In a massive achievement, Jeff Nagorcka was recognised for 65 years of service to the CFA.
The National Medal recognises members who have undertaken extensive and diligent service in combating hazards faced by the community and this year, CFA board member, Beth Davidson presented National medals to Nathan Appledore, Rodney Van De Hoef and a first National Medal first clasp to Malcolm Anderson and National Medal second clasp to Wayne Nagorcka.
The night also saw the brigade present internal awards for contributions to the brigade, Sam Hay-Smith as Fire fighter of the year, Junior of the year - Alyssa Kennett, Recruit of the year - Chris Dunn, Captains award - Jenny Poynton, and Jack of All jointly to Nathan Appledore and Sam Hay-Smith.
