Australian Fire Service Medal

 

CITATION

1994

 

Assistant Chief Officer – Neil James MANNING

 

Neil James MANNING joined the Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1965 and was elected Captain and Permit Officer in 1966.

 

He joined as a career member of the Tasmania Fire Service in 1974 and his first posting was Fire Control Officer for the east Coast of Tasmania.

 

Neil was appointed District Officer, East Coast in 1977 and Regional Officer Southern Region in 1985.  He was appointed Deputy Director County Brigades in 1989 and to his current position of Assistant Chief Officer Operations in 1991.

 

Neil’s major contribution to the Tasmania Fire Service was his support of the creation of a fully integrated organisation, without urban/country divisions.

 

Neil played an invaluable role in creating an environment where volunteer and career members accepted the need for change, resulting in the Tasmania Fire service being the only fully integrated Fire Service in Australia.