LOCAL firefighter Noel Peterson has been awarded a National Emergency Medal for the role he played during the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
Lt Peterson received the medal during the Darraweit Guim Country Fire Authority (CFA) AGM held last Monday night for his services to the community of Swifts Creek as fires threatened the East Gippsland township.
National Emergency Medals are awarded to those who perform sustained or significant service to others during nationally significant emergencies in Australia.
The acting commander of CFA District 2 Hugh Kelly presented the medal to Lt Peterson who said he was humbled by the recognition.
“I’m just grateful I was given the chance to go and represent the brigade and do a bit for the community at Swifts Creek,” he said.
Lt Peterson has been involved with the Darraweit Guim Rural Fire Brigade since 2019, starting as a brigade member before moving into asset maintenance and last year was elected to the position of 4th Lieutenant.
He has also been the brigade’s communications officer for more than five years.
The captain of the Darraweit Guim Rural Fire Brigade Mark Spedding spoke highly of Lt Peterson on the night and told the Review that he enjoys working with him.
“Noel is an awesome central member of the brigade. He puts his hand up for everything,” Capt Spedding said.
“He’s suffering (from health battles) a bit at the moment, and we all wish him well that he comes back to his full duties as soon as possible.”
