The presentation was held at the Cobram East Boosey fire station on Wednesday, May 20, with around 30 people attending.
Presentations were made by CFA brigade support officer John Parnel and Moira catchment commander Rod Railton.
More than 20 CFA service awards were presented on the night, recognising members for service ranging from five years through to 65 years.
Two special Jewel Life Memberships were also presented to long-serving members: Max Grinter, for 60 years of service, and John Lazzarotto, for 65 years of service.
Both men were acknowledged for their exceptional dedication and reliability, with fellow members noting they were almost always among the first on the truck when a call-out occurred.
Third lieutenant firefighter Jack Tynan said volunteers such as Mr Grinter and Mr Lazzarotto were the “backbone of rural fire brigades”.
“Their experience, reliability and dedication set a great example for younger members,” he said.
The evening highlighted the importance of volunteer firefighters and the ongoing commitment shown by brigade members in supporting both emergency response operations and the local community.
Several members were also recognised for leadership, operational support, training, brigade administration and community engagement activities, including participation in public events and brigade support work.
Mr Lazzarotto and Mr Grinter thanked the CFA and its members for their support over the years.
“We have a good brigade with lots of great firefighters,“ Mr Grinter said.
Brigade captain Richard Lazzarotto thanked members and families for their continued support of the brigade and the wider community.
“These awards are not just about years of service — they represent thousands of hours of training, call-outs, community support and sacrifice,” he said.
Awards presented:
Five-year certificate of service:
Firefighter — Warrick Cox
Brigade member — Halina Tedesco
Brigade member — Rocco Tedesco
Brigade member — Sonya Tedesco
2nd Lieutenant — Corrin Van Den Berg
15-year medal:
Brigade member — Dianne Harris
Brigade health and safety officer and firefighter — Paula Savage
Firefighter — Brendan Savage
20-year medal:
Communications officer and brigade member — Kristel Lazzarotto
25-year medal:
Firefighter — Ben Lazzarotto
Brigade member — Damian Van De Berg
30-year medal:
Firefighter — Billy Harris
3rd Lieutenant firefighter — Jack Tynan
Firefighter and secretary/treasurer — Simone Tynan
35-year medal:
Captain firefighter — Richard Lazzarotto
40-year medal:
Firefighter — John Harris
60-year medal:
Brigade communications safety and firefighter — Max Grinter
65-year medal:
1st Lieutenant firefighter — John Lazzarotto
