Presentation of new tanker and medals: Commander Rohan Taylor, John Sullivan, John Viney and Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic.
Merrigum Fire Brigade captain John Sullivan and colleague John Viney have been presented with national medals for their years of service.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Mr Sullivan joined the brigade in 1981 and has been captain for 25 years.
He has had a number of deployments as a strike team leader including the 1997 Dandenongs bushfire and Black Saturday in 2009.
He has had a large involvement in the Merrigum community through the Lions Club, being largely involved in the new station project and the new sign at the station.
Mr Sullivan thanked Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum on the day of the presentation for the grant of $6000 that went towards the electronic sign.
The Lions Club was able to provide $6000 as well, through fundraising from the community.
Mr Viney was also presented with a national medal for his service, having joined the CFA in 1968 and served for 54 years.
He served 41 years at Belgrave South before moving to the Kyabram station in 2009 and then on to Merrigum where he has been stationed for the past six years.
Mr Viney was involved in fighting the Ash Wednesday fires, as Belgrave South was the first town in the Dandenongs to be hit.
The intense firefight and the saving of a considerable portion of the town was followed by brigade and community involvement in the recovery.
Mr Viney recognised the effect dealing with major incidents and traumatic events had on firefighters.
This prompted him and a group of like-minded people to work to establish the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing program.
“It’s one of most important things I’ve done during my time in the CFA,” he said.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the group that has set up a welfare program that is helping hundreds of people.”
Mr Viney said the Merrigum Fire Brigade had a proud history, having been there since 1944, and was looking for more people to sign up.
“We are looking to expand the brigade membership, Merrigum is a thriving and progressive brigade,” he said.
The station was also presented with new tankers.
This will enhance the brigade’s fire-fighting capabilities for the local communities of Merrigum, Byrneside and Lancaster.
The vehicles where operational in 2020, but the handover and the presentation of National Medals were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Recognition of service: John Viney with his national medal.
17°C