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.