CFA’s night to remember

YEARS of hard work and dedication were recognised on Saturday night when the Narre Warren North Country Fire Authority (CFA) held the biggest awards night in its 62-year history.
More than 80 people attended the annual dinner dance event where seven Narre Warren North fire fighters were awarded the National Medal. The prestigious honour recognises diligent service well beyond the call of duty over a period of more than 15 years.
Guests included CFA board member David Gibb who presented the medals, Nar Nar Goon CFA captain and group delegate Phil Craig and wife Jeanette, Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson and wife Heather, CFA operations officer Cliff O’Connor and representatives from both the Narre Warren and Berwick CFA.
Brigade Captain John Sonogan presented fire fighters Andrew Robertson, Ian Hall, Gregg Clutterbuck, Kevin Chisolm and 4th Lieutenant Kevin Bird with certificates recognising six years of service with the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade.
Junior Fire Fighter Carlie Chisolm was also present with the Peter Nunn Memorial Award. The award is given to the young member who is deemed to most embody the values of the Junior Fire Brigade. The award is in memory of Peter Nunn who encouraged and trained younger fire fighters. Peter lost his battle with cancer several years ago.
Fire Fighter Daniel Brennan was presented with the Fire Fighter of the Year Award, which recognises the fire fighter who best lives up to the ideals of a volunteer fire fighter.
Mr Brennan was chosen by the Brigade Management Team.
Captain John Sonogan presented Fire Fighter Darren Martin with the Captain’s Award. The award is given to a fire fighter, chosen by the captain, whose contributions to the brigade might be otherwise unrecognised.
Fire Fighter Tony Soar and Lieutenant Kevin Bird were also presented with their 20-year Service Clasp, representing 20 years of service as volunteer fire fighters with the CFA.
National medals were presented to fire fighters Linden Barry, Ian Hall, Kevin Chisolm and Gary Beer, 1st Lieutenant Shaun Trotter, Captain John Sonogan and life member Kevin Ridd.
Fire Fighter Shaun Hill was presented with the Len Sonogan award for the most complete fire fighter, which means the member who was involved in as much of the brigade’s activities as possible.
Len Sonogan’s wife and daughter presented the award.