Firefighting leaders of today and tomorrow celebrated

Two firefighting brigades united by their goal of helping and protecting their isolated Pilbara community have taken out the title of the State’s top firefighting team.  The 2018 Firefighting Award winners were announced at the inaugural Fire and Emergency Services Awards Ceremony held in Perth last night.

Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade and Tom Price Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) were recognised with the Team Achievement Award for their collaborative relationship and unified response to emergencies affecting their community, including a bushfire that threatened the town in October 2017.

Callum O’Connell from Tom Price Emergency Services Cadet Corp was also recognised for his work in promoting fire safety messages to local primary school children and devising a new road safety initiative along Tom Price-Paraburdoo Road.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the award recipients had a shared vision about the future of firefighting in Western Australia.

“These awards highlight the great achievements and initiatives of firefighters and their brigades across the State, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have people of such a high calibre working together protecting our State,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“Our firefighting leaders of today know the importance of championing their youth, to not only benefit and grow their brigades, but their local communities as well.

“The award recipients are investing in the future by imparting their knowledge and providing support to the next generation of WA firefighters,” he said.

WA Youth Achievement Award

Callum O’Connell, Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

Callum signed up as an Emergency Services Cadet in 2014 and has developed into a well-respected mentor for his peers. He is the youngest member to join the Tom Price VFRS and BFB and always endeavours to help others in need. This young volunteer firefighter has been involved in mitigation activities as well as fire safety preparedness at local primary schools. With his fellow cadets, Callum has helped devise a new road safety initiative to encourage road users to exercise more caution following a spate of fatalities and serious crashes along Tom Price- Paraburdoo Road.

Team Achievement Award

Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service 

In the town of Tom Price, members of the BFB and VFRS have been united by their desire to protect their community. The brigades, each with different skill sets, work side by side and where required share resources, both familiarised in each other’s appliances and stations. During October 2017 when fire threatened the Tom Price townsite, the brigades worked closely together to support each other and defend the town and its residents. 

The Shire's Emergency Management Coordinator Morgwn was a finalist in the the Murray Lang Bush Fire Service of WA Award in recognition for his service to the Tom Price VBFB and the communities within the Shire of Ashburton.

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