On the 5^th of November, the Waroona Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) held a dinner and awards presentation evening at the Waroona Bowling and Social Club. This was an opportunity for the Brigade and their partners to enjoy a meal together and to recognise some major achievements in volunteering.

Mr Murray Cowper MLA presented the following members with the WA Community Volunteer Service Award:

• John Twaddle, Alan Alexander and Neil Birch for 50 years of service,
• Brian Wilson 38 years of service,
• Lindsay Plant 34 years of service, and
• Darren O’Brien 29 years of service.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Southwest Superintendent Peter Norman also presented the following members with DFES service awards:

• John Twaddle and Alan Alexander for 50 years of service,
• Brian Wilson 35 years of service,
• Tony Cicolari 20 years of service,
• Sue Cicolari 15 years of service, and
• Patrick Templeman-Twells for 5 years of service.

Peter also had the pleasure of announcing that Captain John Twaddle had been awarded the 2015 South West Region Volunteer of the Year. John was chosen from all aspects of DFES operations including Fire and Rescue, Fire and Emergency Services, Marine Rescue, SES and Bushfire Service.

The Waroona Brigade also celebrated its 60^th anniversary this year, and honoured two members with life membership for their outstanding contribution they have made and continue to make in the brigade. The members were Lieutenant Darren O’Brien and Sue Cicolari who has just recently handed over the administrative officer reigns after a remarkable 16 continuous years.

Congratulations to the award recipients, and thankyou to Ted Russell and the team at the Waroona Bowling and Social Club for making the evening most enjoyable and hassle free.

We would like to wish everyone in the community a safe fire season, and be sure to check out the newly launched Emergency WA website at www.emergency.wa.gov.au. Here you will find bushfire information as well as a list of current DFES managed 000 calls, including road crash rescue, Hazchem, and structural fires that the Waroona VFES attend.

All the Best

Brad Stone
Admin Officer – Waroona VFES

Captain John Twaddle receiving South West Volunteer of the year from Superintendent Peter Norman.

Lieutenant Darren O’Brien was presented with Life Membership of the brigade.

Alan Alexander receiving a 50 year WA Community Volunteer Service Award from Murray Cowper MLA.