AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

 

CITATION

 

ROBERT DAWES

 

 

Somerset Brigade        Tasmania Fire Service

 

 

Robert Dawes joined the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) with the Somerset Fire Brigade in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter. Over the many years as a volunteer Robert has progressed his way through the ranks and is now the current Brigade Chief of the Somerset Brigade. Not only is Robert's commitment to his local brigade he is also a long standing member of the Cape Country and West Coast Fire Management Area Committees.

Robert is a well respected stalwart of the TFS and his commitment to the broader community and engagement with the local Lions Club and Somerset Surf Life Saving Club, providing support from the TFS for local events is an example of his commitment and interest in his local community. Robert is also a long standing member of the TFS museum society with a passion of restoring decommissioned TFS vehicles.

Robert also took on the role as the Cape Country Group Officer in 2012 in addition to his already expanding role of a Brigade Chief. In 2013 Robert also introduced a junior development program within the Somerset Brigade to enhance the future development and succession plan for the brigade.

In both the 2016 and 2019 extended fire seasons Robert actively participated as a Crew Leader or Strike Team Leader with deployments across the State to assist in firefighting efforts.

Robert is also the TFS North West Region Retained Volunteer representative for the association and sits on the Regional Work Health and Safety committee and always brings ideas and innovation to the table for consideration.

In addition, Robert has most recently assisted with the COVID-19 Compliance checks daily for approximately six weeks including to resource volunteers to undertake these checks for the North West.

Robert has worked tirelessly during his time and continues to do so with many long days and nights to provide support to the District Staff and other Brigade Chiefs in the Cape Country Group.  He is a highly respected member within the TFS and is a worthy recipient of the AFSM.