CFS members recognised at 2026 SA Emergency Services Awards
Photo: Brett Sheridan / Blue Razoo
Two SA Country Fire Service (CFS) members have been recognised for their contributions at the 2026 South Australian Emergency Services Awards.
Held on Wednesday 7 October, the awards recognised staff and volunteers from across South Australia's emergency services organisations.
CFS Aviation Operations Officer Rob Laver received the SA Emergency Services Medal, while Region 3 Operations Support Brigade Lieutenant Geoffrey Anderson received an SA Emergency Services Citation.
Photo: Brett Sheridan / Blue Razoo
Rob Laver – SA Emergency Services Medal
CFS Aviation Operations Officer
Rob Laver was recognised for more than two decades of distinguished service to CFS, particularly his work to improve aerial firefighting safety and capability.
Throughout his career, Rob has helped introduce new technologies and procedures that have improved how aircraft support firefighting operations across South Australia.
He has played a key role in developing aerial intelligence systems, including FireMapper, live-streaming capabilities and aviation management systems. These have given Incident Management Teams and firefighters better access to information during incidents, helping them make informed decisions.
Rob has also shared his expertise through deployments across Australia and internationally, including Canada and France.
His work over the past two decades has helped shape the way CFS uses aircraft to support firefighting operations.
Photo: Brett Sheridan / Blue Razoo
Geoffrey Anderson – SA Emergency Services Citation
Lieutenant, Region 3 Operations Support Brigade
Lieutenant Geoffrey Anderson was recognised for his outstanding service to CFS over 18 years as a volunteer, particularly his ongoing support of Region 3 operations.
A member of both Tailem Bend Brigade and Region 3 Operations Support Brigade, Geoffrey has taken on a range of roles and continues to serve as a Radio Operator at the Region 3 Regional Incident Control Centre.
For more than two years, Geoffrey has regularly made himself available, often with less than 24 hours' notice, to transport appliances, vehicles and equipment across Region 3 and to service providers in Adelaide.
This has added 10 to 15 volunteer hours each week, saving an estimated 1,000 staff hours.
His efforts have helped keep vehicles and equipment ready for use, while allowing regional staff to focus on other operational work.
Geoffrey's willingness to give up his time to help others has made a real difference to the region.