The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has opened nominations for the WA Fire and Emergency Services Awards (WAFES), recognising individuals and teams who go above and beyond to protect their community and improving operations.
This year there are 15 awards with the addition of a new Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Staff Team Achievement Award.
In a statement, the Department said last year’s winners included Marine Rescue volunteers who saved people from treacherous waters after their yacht sunk and a career firefighter who travelled to Fiji to help with the pandemic response.
Also awarded was a teenage State Emergency Service volunteer who made a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of her unit and helped boost recruitment.
The Department said its personnel responded to more than 15,000 incidents since April 2022, including 4,250 bushfires, 2,668 road crash rescues and 1,551 weather-related incidents including storms, cyclones and flood damage.
Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson said emergency services staff and volunteers performed extraordinary acts every day.
“While these people don’t do the job for recognition, the WAFES Awards are a chance to highlight their commitment and bravery,” Mr Dawson said.
“As well as saving lives and homes, volunteer and career personnel are also working behind the scenes to make Western Australia a safer State by helping people prepare for emergencies and reduce bushfire risk, as well as assisting communities in their recovery from disasters.”
Nominations close on 3 April and finalists will be announced on 30 May with the winners named at an awards dinner later in the year.
Volunteers or staff members can be nominated on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
