Two Benalla firies honoured for years of dedicated service

By Contributed

Jan 20, 2023

Dedicated: FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner presents Michael Todd with his 35-year National Medal clasp. Photo: Mark Jesser. Photo by Mark Jesser

Two of Benalla’s long-serving forest firefighters, Michael Todd and Neale Cleeland, were recognised at a special National Medal ceremony in Wangaratta recently.

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The two Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters were presented with their 35-year National Medal clasp for dedicated service to firefighting and community safety.

They were presented with their clasps by FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner.

Honoured: FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner presents Neale Cleeland with his 35-year National Medal clasp. Photo: Mark Jesser. Photo by Mark Jesser

Mr Todd began his career in January 1979 as an apprentice diesel fitter with the then Forest Commission of Victoria.

He is currently the senior forest fire management officer of operations at Benalla and is an accredited level two incident controller and operations officer.

Mr Cleeland began his career in December 1981 on the crew at Benalla.

He was previously a member of the specialised rappel firefighting crew and currently undertakes the regional agency commander role.

He is an accredited level one incident controller and level three operations officer.

The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.

Fifteen years’ service is required to qualify for the medal, followed by clasps for each additional 10 years’ service.

The National Medal was established in 1975 as part of the Australian honours system and is awarded by the Governor-General.