THE many challenges of the job and the satisfaction of helping people keeps driving a Border firefighter who has received an Australian award.
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Wodonga Fire Brigade second lieutenant Rowan Montoneri was presented with the National Medal at the brigade’s annual dinner, attended by about 90 people at the Huon Hill hotel.
Mr Montoneri said he was “stoked” by his National Medal, which recognised 15 years of diligent service.
“I know a few guys who've got them and they're guys I look up to and I see the work they put in,” he said.
“So to be recognised along those lines with those sort of people, it was pretty awesome."
Instituted by the Queen in 1975, the National Medal honours people in the emergency services and other approved voluntary organisations.
Recipients receive a clasp for each 10-year period following the National Medal.
Chris Pollard received his second clasp at the dinner and Des Milbourne, Neville Frichot and Jeff McEachern their third.
Country Fire Authority service awards went to Amanda Sceriha (10 years), Brett Olsen (25 years) and Mark Briggs (30 years).
Firefighter of the year was Todd Atkin while the work for the brigade award went to Joel Brabender.
Travis Nolte took out both the most improved category and recruit of the year.
Mr Montoneri paid tribute to his wife Melissa, who often had to keep the household running while he dashed out responding to fire calls.
"You can't do that without the support of your family," he said.
His brigade colleagues also shared in this award.
"It's not just for me,” he said.
“A lot of people have helped me to get where I am."
After starting at 14 with a junior brigade in Emerald, Mr Montoneri has been a volunteer fire fighter for nearly two decades.
"Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing, at four in the morning," he said with a smile.
"You can see and have to do some pretty crummy things with some of the things that we attend, but you also have a good time and a good laugh.
"I really truly have made friends for life.”
A refrigeration mechanic by trade, he appreciated the extra skills he’s learned through his brigade involvement.
And he also valued the community service element.
"You get that enjoyment out of being able to help someone, you know, especially in that time of need.
“If we don't do it, I guess no-one else will.
“So when that pager goes off, I know that obviously someone needs help, we've got to get out there."
