Fire-fighting in good hands as youth take honours

At the annual Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Honours, held on October 10, it was clear that the next generation of fire fighters is coming through strongly.

They included Max Heydon, son of Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Janette Baird. Max joined the volunteer brigade at 16 years of age and took home three trophies. In addition, Lulu Smith, 21, daughter of former Manly volunteer Lorry McCarthy, won the award for Outstanding Leadership.

The event, held at Stanmore Bay Boat Club, celebrates and honours the hard work of all operational and non-operational firefighters at the volunteer brigade.

Service acknowledgements and medals were awarded to fire fighters who had served three years, five years, 11 years and 15 years.

Athol Conway was honoured for 52 years’ service to FENZ – both with West Harbour Volunteer Brigade and, more recently, with Manly.

As well as the trophies won by Max Heydon, Janette Baird and Lulu Smith, Qualified Fire Fighter Joanna Lee was awarded for Most Improved Member and Senior Fire Fighter Shaun Gartland, whose father was also a fire fighter, was chosen Fire Fighter of the Year, an honour which is voted for by his peers.