SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Two CFS members awarded highest honour

26/01/2014

Two SA Country Fire Service (CFS) members have been awarded the distinguished Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for their long standing contribution to the CFS.

The Governor-General today announced that Yvette Dowling of Happy Valley and Joseph Tilley of Port Lincoln are the recipients of this Australia Day Honour.

CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton says Ms Dowling and Mr Tilley are deserving candidates.

"The AFSM is the highest honour a firefighter can receive and for this reason there is a rigorous selection process to determine the most worthy contenders," Mr Nettleton said.

"Ms Dowling and Mr Tilley have significantly invested in the CFS as volunteers, with both also holding senior positions as paid staff in the CFS and in the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources respectively.

"With their extensive knowledge of fire management, their professionalism, and solid commitment to their communities, Ms Dowling and Mr Tilley are clearly deserving of the AFSM."

Ms Yvette Dowling's commitment, expertise and professional diligence in the execution of her duties has and continues to be an inspiration to both volunteers and staff alike.

Her passion for information sharing and knowledge transfer has led to the implementation of 'best practice' incident coordination practices and systems within the CFS.

Following the devastating fires on Eyre Peninsula in early 2005, Ms Dowling was the instigator and visionary for the development of a significant system of work known as the Critical Resource Incident Information Management System Online Network (CRIIMSON), which is still used today.

Mr Joseph Tilley's extensive knowledge of fire behaviour and management is of great operational assistance to both the CFS and in his role within the DEWNR Fire Management Unit.

Motivated by his desire to protect the Eyre Peninsula community, Mr Tilley was an integral part of the team which introduced the Greater City of Port Lincoln Prevention Plan, achieving a balanced approach to conservation values and fire prevention.

His unique and integral knowledge of fire behaviour coupled with his strategic knowledge and leadership skills in conducting the critical work of prescribed burns are highly valued.

"We congratulate Ms Dowling and Mr Tilley for their honourable achievements," said CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton.

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Media information
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Government of South Australia