AFTER a close call with a power line in 2015, volunteer firefighter Colin Smeeth has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.
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Mr Smeeth, group captain for MIA Zone Region South, joined the Wyangan Brigade in 1967.
He has been captain and group captain since 1996.
Mr Smeeth is on the senior management team, bushfire management committee and the liaison committee for the MIA District.
He has led many taskforces out of area fires; with the most recent being the January 2015 fires in Victoria. Mr Smeeth is extremely active on the fire ground, going out to investigate fires at all times of the day or night. Mr Smeeth was awarded the National Medal in 1990 for his continued active service.
In 2012 parts of the district were severely flooded particularly the township of Yenda.
In 2013 he was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for the onerous task of coordinating strike teams that had been sent to Yenda to assist the residents in cleaning up their yards and homes. Mr Smeeth coordinated the requests for help from residents.
In doing so, he recognised the need for further assistance, so arranged for the district to organise the NSW Rural Fire Service Chaplain to come to Yenda to talk to residents and volunteers doing the clean up. During this time, he showed exemplary compassion, patience and leadership. Mr Smeeth is a supportive mentor to volunteers from all areas and happily imparts his extensive knowledge of fire fighting.
Mr Smeeth said he was overwhelmed by the award.
“I didn’t expect the award but I’m happy about it,” he said.
“I don’t do it for the recognition, I do it because I feel it’s what I should do for the community.”
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott has congratulated 13 emergency services workers who received awards in today’s Australia Day Honours.
The Australian Fire Service Medal was awarded to four firefighters from Fire & Rescue NSW and seven from Rural Fire Service and the Emergency Services Medal was awarded to two members of the NSW Emergency Services and one NSW Volunteer Rescue Association member.
“To be acknowledged on Australia Day is one of the highest individual acknowledgements of service to our community,” Mr Elliott said.