Medal for policeman

By Casey Neill
LILYDALE Senior Sergeant Vin Butera has received national recognition for his efforts during last year’s Black Saturday Bushfires.
He was awarded an Australian Police Medal on Australia Day for distinguished service.
Sen Sgt Butera joined the police force in 1979 and has been a senior sergeant at Lilydale for seven years.
He has developed community partnerships and gained a reputation as a compassionate and effective station manager.
Sen Sgt Butera co-ordinated more than 1000 personnel in the Yarra Ranges for 25 days during last February and March, when fire threatened much of the shire.
He is currently in the Solomon Islands on secondment to the Australian Federal Police Deployment Group as part of Australia’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands.
Lilydale Senior Sergeant Shaun Young said the medal meant a great deal to his colleague.
“He was very humbled that he had been nominated by his peers and team members at Lilydale Police Station and the Shire of Yarra Ranges,” he said.
Sen Sgt Butera and Sen Sgt Young also received certificates of recognition for their outstanding contribution to the Yarra Ranges community during last summer’s fires in the council’s Australia Day Awards.
Sen Sgt Young joined the police force in 1978 “to serve the community” and has been a senior sergeant at Lilydale for three years.
The 48-year-old will again take on the emergency co-ordination role this summer.