Firefighters and incident management staff from across north east Victoria have been formally recognised for their efforts to protect threatened communities during the

devastating 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires.

More than 200 current and former staff from Forest Fire Management Victoria were awarded the prestigious National Emergency Medal at Alexandra on Friday, 19 September.

“The Black Summer bushfires had a significant and lasting impact on many local communities, our staff, and the broader emergency management sector," Hume Region

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Aaron Kennedy said.

“The courage, strength and commitment involved in the response and recovery efforts for the fires is something that is truly admirable.”

The Black Summer fires burned more than 1.5 million hectares of land in Victoria, with over 3,500 fires responded to by emergency crews over a 98-day period.

FFMVic staff were deployed to major fires in the Upper Murray and Ovens districts which impacted communities and the environment.

“Many medal recipients continue to work in forest and fire management, helping to mitigate the impacts of bushfires on the community and environment,” Mr Kennedy said.

The National Emergency Medal forms part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service in response to nationally significant emergencies.

Thirty four FFMVic staff were also awarded National Medals which recognises long and distinguished service to organisations that protect life and property.

Of these, 22 staff received the medal for 15 years of service, and 12 staff received clasps for additional decades of service.