The tireless work of a squad of firefighters was acknowledged at a special end of year celebration last month.
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To conclude 2021, the Ararat CFA held its annual awards with deserving members recognised for their contribution to the brigade and the community.
Ararat CFA third lieutenant Alex Pickett was awarded the prestigious Firefighter of the Year award.
Mr Pickett said, "it was an honour and a nice surprise" to be recognised with the award.
"I really enjoy volunteering for the CFA and it was really nice to get the award," he said.
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Pickett said he had had a great experience at the brigade since joining three years ago.
"My motivation for joining was to learn some new skills and to help the community," he said.
"It has been a really enjoyable time here (Ararat CFA). "
Each month, the brigade management team chooses a monthly winner; the monthly nominations are collated at the end of the year, and the final winner is selected.
Ararat CFA Captain Daniel Ramsdell said the Firefighter of the Year award is given to a member who gives their all, is a team player and helps out with all kinds of jobs throughout the year.
"He (Alex Pickett) is a deserving winner," Captain Ramsdell said.
"He puts a lot of time into the brigade. He does all of our equipment maintenance.
"He has a really can-do attitude, which is great to see."
The brigade also presented three other awards at their end of year break-up.
Jack of all Trades: Rhonda Wall
"Rhonda (Wall) is our secretary, she does an astronomical job for us, we would be buggered without her," captain Ramsdell said.
'She does all of our books and helps with anything to do with grants and the general running of the brigade.'
"We would be lost without her, she is a great help to the brigade."
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Recruit of the Year: Michelle Turnham
"Michelle (Durnham) has been great ever since she joined," captain Ramsdell said.
"I had been wanting to do more than just a non operational member, but life got in the way, but I recently completed my basic training which is exciting."
Mrs Durham joined the brigade in 2020 as a non operational member, however in 2021 she completed her basic training in an attempt to join her husband on the front line.
Captains Award: Rob Keith
"Rob (Keith) has been a great supporter of myself," captain Ramsdell said.
"I have been captain for the past year and he really pushed me to get that role.
"He has really supported me along the way and is a great team player."
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