AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

CITATION

Rodney Sweetnam

Volunteer Firefighter

Rodney Sweetnam first joined the Fire Service in 1973 in Victoria as a volunteer firefighter with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).  Rodney was an enthusiastic and active firefighter and spent many summer weekends competing throughout Victoria in fire service competitions.

In 1989 Rodney moved to Tasmania and joined the brigade near his new home in Hadspen.  Rodney’s experience and leadership was recognised by his fellow members at Hadspen Brigade and was progressively promoted through to the key leadership position of Brigade Chief in 2001.

Rodney’s interest in fire operations and emergency management in general lead to him to seek and obtain a position representing Local Government Association Tasmania (LGAT) on the State Fire Management Council from 2002 to 2006.  In 2006 the Minister approved a recommendation from LGAT for Rodney to represent Local Government on the State Fire Commission; the services peak governing body.  Rodney maintains this position today.

The Brigades of the Quamby Group also supported Rodney’s leadership qualities and elected Rodney as their Group Officer, a position he has held since 2004.

Rodney’s dedicated service has been recognised with the awarding of his National Medal in 1988, his first clasp in 1998, and his second clasp in 2008.

In 2003 Rodney was also awarded the Emergency Service Medal.