AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
CITATION
David
Russell Bonney
Gunns Plains Volunteer
Fire Brigade
Tasmania Fire Service
Mr
Bonney joined the Gunns Plains Brigade in September
1984 and he was later elected Brigade Chief and served in this position until
October 2010. During this time, his leadership and credibility in the community
was instrumental in attracting new and enthusiastic recruits to the Tasmania
Fire Service. His infectious enthusiasm and dedication remains to this day.
His
leadership was instrumental in achieving the amalgamation of Gunns Plains and Preston Brigades which saw the
establishment of a new functional fire station at Gunns
Plains.
He
has also been a member of the Leven Fire Management Area Committee, and the
Brigade contact for occupational health and safety issues, and a Permit Officer
for the Gunns Plains area.
He
played a pivotal role in ensuring the Brigade members maintained their training
schedules, and he proved to be an invaluable mentor to Brigade members when
preparing to respond to a wide variety of incidents.
Like
many volunteers he is self-employed but is always prepared and willing to cease
his farming duties when he is alerted to attend incidents in his own brigade
area or support his neighbouring brigades.
Mr
Bonney is dedicated to his brigade, its members, the community and the Tasmania
Fire Service. His leadership qualities,
skills and abilities continue to leave an indelible mark.