George Grant is celebrated with the W.A. 50-Year Volunteer Service Badge.
George has been a member of the Gingin West Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade since its formation in 1962 when he was sixteen years old and had been attending fires with his father from the age of fourteen.
During his service George has held the positions of Vice-Captain, Captain, Fire Control Officer and as a Deputy Chief Fire Control Officer, the position he still holds at the present time.
George was honoured at the Neergabby Australia Day celebrations where he was presented with a 50-Year service badge by the Chief Fire Control Officer of the Shire of Gingin Paul Postma, a golden fire helmet presented by the Captain of the Gingin West Voluntary Bush Fire Brigade Dave Stroud, and a Western Australian Flag presented by Shane Love MLA.
It was a privilege to meet and chat with George, as often is the case fire fighters are modest, gentle and a positive influence within their communities. Many who attended the event were quick to congratulate him and stories of past fires and how George helped others came to the fore.
George has not only been an active fire fighter but also worked behind the scenes to upgrade the Gingin Shire fire units. He recalls making a stand when he advised the Shire of Gingin that in certain situations it would be unsafe to send the volunteers to fight fires with the old vehicles and equipment. The Shire acknowledged the urgency to replace the fire units with modern safe vehicles and a programme was commenced to upgrade the shire’s fire appliances. This programme proved to be very successful.
George continues to be an active fire fighter, his leadership and overwhelming concern for the volunteers safety are obvious by the respect others showed
