RAC Insurance-Rotary Club of Whitfords Firefighter awards

27/9/99
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince today announced the finalists of the RAC Insurance- Rotary Club of Whitfords Firefighter of the Year Awards.
Four firefighters and three brigades from throughout the State have been selected as finalists from 25 nominations in the prestigious Awards.
The finalists are:
Fire and Rescue Service Career Firefighter:
Peter McCarthy from the Fremantle Fire and Rescue Service; and
Phil Brandrett from the Perth Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Firefighter
Ray Macnamara from the Wyndham Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service;
Gary Deering from the Exmouth Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service; and
The Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
Bush Fire Service Volunteer Firefighter
The Fitzroy Crossing Fire and Emergency Service; and
The Baldivis Bush Fire Brigade.
The Minister will announce the winners and present their awards and prizes at a gala breakfast on October 9.
"Congratulations to these worthy finalists who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the people of Western Australia from the devastation of fire," Mr Prince said.
"They make a truly exceptional contribution in our communities and deserve every accolade.
"I am looking forward to announcing the winners in two weeks' time."
Peter McCarthy was nominated for his commitment to developing new initiatives to enhance programs within the Fire and Rescue Service. These included a program to ensure all cruise liners calling in at Fremantle had appropriate firefighting equipment and fire safety procedures. He has also worked with the Fremantle Port Authority on the development of standard operating procedures for shipboard firefighting.
Phil Brandrett was nominated for a major contribution to the safety of all Fire and Rescue firefighters through his testing and the subsequent adoption of a new type of portable radio, as well as his calming actions during the Canning Vale prison riots.
Ray Macnamara received his nomination for helping to prevent a fire from destroying a Wyndham resident's property.
Gary Deering was nominated for leading the suppression effort against the bush fires which threatened the Exmouth township in addition to his outstanding response in the recovery process in Exmouth following the destruction by Cyclone Vance.
The Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service was nominated for its dedication to serving the community and assisting many other community based organisations such as the Salvation Army doorknock, Carols By Candlelight, Kwinana Festival, Sky Works Australia. The brigade has also developed a successful initiative to reduce the number and impact of bush fires in their area.
The Fitzroy Crossing Fire and Emergency Service was nominated for its tireless efforts in suppressing the many bush fires in their region with a team of approximately eight volunteer firefighters.
The Baldivis Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Brigade received its nomination for service beyond the normal call of duty at an incident during a motorcycle event, involving a rowdy crowd and several fires which threatened members of the public and a large number of cars.
Their nominations were considered in light of their:

• devotion to duty beyond normal expectations;
• outstanding community or fire service involvement in fire prevention, community education or community-based fire service programs;
• ingenuity or innovation which contributed to the efficiency, effectiveness and development of the fire service or; -
• outstanding acts of kindness, understanding, compassion, or courage, in the line of duty.