News 
2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours
VFBV warmly congratulates all recipients of Honours and Awards awarded during the Queens Birthday honours, including three CFA volunteers, and CFA's Chief Officer on the honour bestowed upon them with the award of the Australian Fire Service Medal, as well deserved recognition of their outstanding contribution to our fire service and the people of Victoria:
Allan Cracknell AFSM, Bairnsdale
A CFA Volunteer since 1973 with Nullawil, Maffra, Rupanyup and currently Bairnsdale Brigade, with roles undertaken including Bairnsdale Secretary since 1993 and Group Secretary for 10 years.
Allan’s award acknowledges his long involvement in fire safety prevention including highly engaging fire safety sessions at numerous community organisations and schools, and running a Juvenile Fire Awareness & Intervention Program in the Bairnsdale area. The award also acknowledges his dedication to member welfare through the Peer Support Program, and as Peer Support Co-ordinator for Districts 10 and 11 since 1997.
In addition to his volunteer service, Allan has been employed in later years by CFA as a Casual Community Fire Guard presenter and as a BASO supporting Brigades in far regional eastern Victoria.
Warren Currry AFSM, Port Albert
Warren has provided 44 years service to CFA at Yarram and currently Port Albert Brigade with approximately 39 of those years in a Brigade or Group Management Team role, including Lieutenant, Secretary, Captain, Deputy Group Officer and Group Officer.
Warren’s outstanding leadership has assisted with the development of others particularly younger members, has played an active role in reforming and improving Group operating procedures and in training and assessment roles and motivating others to enhance the quality of service delivery within the greater Yarram area.
Warren’s award acknowledges his outstanding leadership and significant role during the 2009 fires; the very capable team he developed with a broad skill base that successfully operates the Tarra Group Local Command Facility; and being instrumental in establishing the Port Albert Junior Brigade.
Lance King AFSM, Yallourn North
A CFA volunteer of Yallourn North Brigade since 1977, with numerous roles undertaken including Brigade Lieutenant, Secretary, Captain, Coach and member of Brigade competition team, Municipal Fire Prevention Delegate, Group Officer and VFBV District Council 27 President.
Lance’s award acknowledges his outstanding operational expertise and abilities; and his leadership and innovative solutions to issues and needs within the municipal emergency management sector where he has been able to leverage his CFA knowledge and experience to the benefit of the greater community, particularly through his Emergency Co-ordinator role at Latrobe City.
His calm and methodical approach to dealing with challenges and generating solutions has benefitted his Brigade, the CFA and the community through projects that produced significant improvements to community safety, public warning systems and information management by municipalities during emergency events and the subsequent recovery periods.
Chief Officer Steven Warrington AFSM
VFBV also congratulates Chief Officer Steve Warrington AFSM on the honour bestowed with the award of the Australian Fire Service Medal, as well deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to our fire service and the people of Victoria.
Steve was a CFA volunteer for 14 years commencing with Chelsea Brigade in 1978. He later joined CFA staff in 1983 initially at Langwarrin Brigade, then moved through a range of roles including Operations Manager in District 8, Community Safety, Deputy Chief Officer in 2008, and his appointment as Chief Officer in 2016.
Also included in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday honours were Peter Driscoll AFSM, Barwon Downs (DELWP) & David Youssef AFSM, Strathmore (MFB).
