General News
31 January, 2025
Pomonal CFA recognised
Members of the Pomonal CFA brigade were on Monday honoured in front of their family and friends for their operational response over the past couple of summers.
Gathering at Pomonal Town Hall, members were commended for their efforts during the recent Grampians fires and the fires last February.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan presented the brigade and its captain, Steve Field, with a special recognition award (the highest of its kind in CFA) for their outstanding service throughout a significant event.
“It is a known risk to CFA members that at some stage you may face a situation in which your own property is under threat from fire, and with that comes the unenviable dilemma of having to choose to either focus your efforts on yourself or protect the broader community,” Mr Heffernan said.
“On February 13 2024 and in the days that followed, members of Pomonal fire brigade faced this precise predicament as a fire event that would eventually claim some 47 homes, devastating their community.
“In the midst of this large-scale incident, the local members conducted themselves with great professionalism and demonstrated complete selflessness as they continued working tirelessly at the fire front.
“Their consistent presence on scene and the support provided to the public was widely felt and greatly appreciated by the community, who are proud to have such dedicated CFA members at their service.”
After accepting the award, Mr Fields praised the community members who had gathered at the event, adding that it was good to see the community backing them.
"And they know we have their backs as well," he said.
Mr Field said events like the one on Monday also assisted with community mental health: "getting the conversation happening, bringing people together".
"It's a massive rebuild," he said.
"It's still ongoing from the February fires, and then to have another event significant happen over Christmas, it just put a dampner on Christmas and everything else going on around the place too."