By EMMA SUN
DANDENONG Ranges firefighters were among more than 4000 CFA members to receive a National Emergency Service Medal for their service during the 2009 bushfires.
The medal recognises service to others during a nationally significant emergency.
Firefighters who fought the January and February bushfires in 2009 were presented with the medal, which included those involved in the frontline, incident management and support behind the scenes.
Ceremonies for the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Maroondah groups were held over the last two weeks, with the Knox group presentations to occur tonight (Tuesday).
Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade captain John Schauble said the medal recognised the high level of service by members during a national emergency.
“A number of our members not only met the criteria for the medal but rendered service ‘above and beyond the call’ before, during and after Black Saturday,” he said.
“While the recognition is welcome, it’s not really what we do it for.”
