- Awards celebrate achievements of emergency services personnel
- 15 winners from across WA selected from record field of nominations
A team of volunteer firefighters from Fitzroy Crossing, who rescued more than 150 people during the Kimberley flood crisis, were among the winners celebrated at last night's Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) Awards.
The awards honour the achievements of teams and individuals, working and volunteering across WA's emergency services.
A total of 140 nominations, across 15 award categories were received, recognising excellence in firefighting, marine rescue, and the State Emergency Service (SES) over the past year.
Fitzroy Crossing Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services were honoured with the Firefighting Team Achievement Award, for their incredible work relocating people impacted by the one-in-100-year flooding in WA's North. The team of seven, who worked day and night as floodwaters hit record highs, were praised for their dedication and bravery.
A marine rescue team from Jurien Bay was also recognised with a team award for their bravery during a 1am rescue in treacherous seas off the Midwest coast.
Individual award winners included Captain Ian MacGregor from Toodyay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, for his efforts during a road crash rescue in October last year, and SES Canine Unit Deputy Manager Leonie Briggs, who has spent more than a decade training dogs to find missing people across WA.
Corporate staff from the Department of Emergency Services were also recognised across three categories, including a new team award, which went to the Community Liaison Unit. The unit spent more than 15 weeks deployed to Fitzroy Crossing during the floods, and played a critical role in keeping Indigenous communities informed.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The WAFES Awards received a record 140 nominations this year, which is testament to the amazing work being done by emergency services teams across the State.
"This past year has brought incredible challenges, and teams have gone above and beyond to rescue and protect members of their community.
"Our deserving winners come from all over the State, from Broome to Bunbury, and their stories demonstrate incredible bravery, grit, and commitment.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I'd like to congratulate our 15 award winners, and extend my gratitude to the entire emergency services family for their incredible work this past year."
