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.