Airservices Australia has announced the winners of our annual Fire Fighter and ARFFie of the Year awards.
Congratulations to Fire Commander Josh Barker from Alice Springs station, who has been awarded the Fire Fighter of the Year (FFOTY). And in a first, there are joint ARFFie of the Year winners, with Danny Shannon and Steven Wood sharing the honours.
Josh was awarded FFOTY for his tireless work going above and beyond what was asked in his work on the Breathing Apparatus working group and all he does at his station supporting all the crews.
Danny and Steven were recognised for their behind the scenes work and tireless efforts to support stations by always being available to engage with people and services while maintaining our facilities.
The awards were announced to coincide with International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) which highlights the commitment and dedication and achievements of firefighters everywhere and remembers those fire fighters who have died in the line of duty.
In its third year, the ARFFS has two annual awards are for our operational firefighters and our non-operational employees, celebrating the talent and dedication that is seen across all aspects of the service. With nominations able to be put forward by anyone in the organisation, the winners represent those who are admired and valued by our people.
With almost 30 nominations received, three finalist were selected for each category before a final winner for each award was chosen. Congratulations to the other four highly commended individuals, Sub Station Officer Rob Merryweather and Trainee Fire Fighter Baker Dawas as nominees for Firefighter of the year and David Wright and Wendy Morris for ARFFie of the Year and to everyone that was nominated.
