Cowaramup service legends honoured with awards

A celebration in Cowaramup has honoured the vital contributions made by locals dedicated to protection the region and its residents.

Members of the Cowaramup Volunteer Fire Brigade gathered for the annual dinner and awards night at West Winds Tavern, where a dress code required attendees to wear an item from the local Cowaramup Op Shop.

“The food was great and the company even better,” spokesperson Heather Tennant said.

The annual BFB Fire Bug Award was handed to Julian Woodward, while Nathan Fraser received the VFRS Extinguisher Award and Ray Allen received the Captain’s Award, as well as the People’s Choice Lickel Medal.

After the presentation of Training Certificates, it was down to the Long Service Awards.

“There was a large number of medals as we went through the entire Brigade and brought everyone up to date,” Heather said.

“The BFB and VFRS have a medallion for five years and a medal for ten years, and then a clasp for every five years after that.

“The National Service Medal is presented after 15 years of service and then a clasp for every ten years after that.

“As you can see from the list, we have a lot of very committed members.”

The following awards were presented by Peter Thomas and David Holland:

Brigade stalwart Peter Clews was also honoured with the presentation of a 65-year clasp.

Heather said members still to have their awards presented were Chris Lloyd and Damien (Sam) Juniper (10 Year BFB medal), Chris Lloyd (10 Year VFRS medal), and Geoff Jenkins (55 Year BFB Long Service Medal and 5 year National Service Medal and clasps).

“Thank you everyone who is part of the Brigade for making it a very special and successful Brigade,” Heather said.