CFA Unit Citation for Courage

The Citation

ln hazardous storm conditions that may never be surpassed for the area, these 12 members demonstrated tremendous courage to assist community members during a memorable day on 9 June 2021.
Conditions rapidly deteriorated, creating a highly challenging environment. Power failed early in the evening, and later, the force of the wind made call outs extremely hazardous, with large trees and branches falling at great speed and frequency.
These members worked continuously, despite the risks, throughout the night to respond to over 34 urgent calls, including rescues, medical assistance, and welfare checks. They travelled on foot and cut through massive fallen trees to reach distressed people.
Communication was sporadic, at times non-existent, and access was cut off from neighbouring brigades forcing the team to rely on CFA skills and resourcefulness, courage and collaboration to save lives and protect property.
Several rescues were conducted in extreme conditions, including the extraction of an injured and trapped resident from a house split in two by a fallen tree, assisting injured individuals and providing shelter at the fire station for sheltering residents.
On a day of relentless extreme weather and conditions, these members were unfaltering in supporting their community, and they have demonstrated to the highest level, the Spirit of CFA.