As they scrambled to contain the intense natural disaster, the conditions were largely beyond their control — except for one.
Their trucks were fast, reliable, and durable due to the CFA’s skilled mechanics, who have now been recognised for their vital contributions.
On Tuesday, December 10, at the Wangaratta CFA District Mechanical Officers (DMOs) Workshop, 10 CFA DMOs were awarded National Emergency Medals for their exceptional work during the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is a prestigious award within Australia’s Honours and Awards system, acknowledging significant or sustained service to others during critical national emergencies.
During the ceremony, the recipients joined over 5500 CFA members who received the coveted medal for work during the 2019-2020 fires.
Among them was Will Mackrell, a Shepparton DMO and firefighter from Violet Town, whose role was nothing short of pivotal.
Mr Mackrell spent a week stationed at Wilberforce in NSW, working with a strike team to conduct truck operational checks.
Any faults identified during the day were addressed and rectified overnight, ensuring the trucks were ready to head out again the following day and face the blazing conditions.
“The days were long,” he said.
“We had all the trucks we were looking after all parked up at the staging area, and one by one, we would check them over, utilising our service vehicles.
“We knew where they were headed, what conditions they’d be under, and what fixes were likely to be required.”
Through narrow bush tracks that damaged the vehicles to paddock work that clogged the radiators, CFA’s grand greasers, like Mr Mackrell, ensured the fleet stayed in top condition to respond to emergencies.
Without them, the CFA could not be the well-oiled machine it was in 2019-2020 to protect the community.
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