Australian Fire Service Medal
Citation
2001
Robert Atkins has actively
worked as a volunteer firefighter and officer in his Wesley Vale community for
32 years. Over this time he has been a role
model for other firefighters and has assisted his fellow volunteers and the
Tasmania Fire Service through his active involvement in the Tasmanian Volunteer
Fire Brigades Association.
Robert Atkins joined Wesley
Vale Rural Fire Brigade as a volunteer firefighter in August 1968. In 1988 he was elected to second officer and
in July 1995 elected to his current position as Brigade Chief. Since 1993 he has been a fire permit officer.
Robert has served in a
number of executive positions in the Tasmania Volunteer Fire Brigades
Association. He has been a driving force
on the Competitions Committee and is continuing active involvement in
competitions management.
He has worked over a number
of years to establish occupational health and safety committees and improve
occupational health and safety for volunteer firefighters.
He was awarded the National Medal in 1983 and a 10 year clasp for 25 years service in 1993.