Rural Fire Service (RFS) Week 2021 has been officially launched, giving the public an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of RFS volunteers.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said the State’s more than 30,000 volunteers gave up time they might otherwise spend with family and friends to dedicate themselves to helping communities prepare for bushfires and protecting their communities when disaster struck.
“Every bushfire season is a reminder to us all of the valuable work undertaken by our RFS volunteers,” Mr Ryan said.
Commissioner for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Greg Leach said it was a privilege to recognise the volunteers for their hard work.
“One of the ways we recognise our volunteers during RFS Week is through our Volunteer of the Year awards,” Commissioner Leach said.
“This year we have also introduced the Young Volunteer of the Year Award because these inspiring young people are the future,” he said.
“This year’s two State winners include a volunteer at the start of her RFS career and another who is retiring after more than two decades of service, both of whom are perfect examples of our diverse volunteer community.”
Commissioner Leach said the State Volunteer of the Year was First Officer at Booyan Brigade, David Spratling (pictured) who volunteered with the RFS for 21 years before retiring earlier this year.
He said the inaugural State Young Volunteer of the Year Award went to Wanda Kropp from Hazeldean Brigade, who had been a member of the brigade for 12 months after completing a school-based program to earn her Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations).