This new award is the organisation’s most prestigious internal award to all CFA members.
Criteria for an Outstanding Service Award nomination are:
- For outstanding or meritorious service, outstanding achievement and outstanding contribution in the attainment of the objectives of CFA and
- For a high level of committed service involving a broad range of activities for a significant period of time or
- For outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others within CFA and for fostering and furthering the aims of the CFA to the long term benefit of the fire service and the community.
Rob Parsons and Sherri McKerley were the first two staff members to receive the honour.
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to both Rob and Sherri at the recruits Graduation Ceremony at Fiskville by Acting Chief Officer Steve Warrington on 8 June, 2012.
The following statements about Rob were read at the ceremony:
“Robin Noel Parsons has provided 49 years diligent service to the CFA in the capacity as a volunteer and career staff member. He has served throughout the ranks from volunteer firefighter to District Operations Officer. In his senior operational position he has demonstrated exceptional performance and efficiency in fire service operations. He has successfully managed several major fires and incidents along with the management of major events. He has been instrumental in the review, modernisation and implementation of the AIIMS (Incident Control System) across CFA.
The nominee has provided distinguished service to the Country Fire Authority as a leader - particularly, the field of Incident Management training.
The nominee has provided exceptional leadership right across CFA and the Emergency Management sector over many years. He has always promoted the development of youth both within CFA and in the general community. This can be demonstrated through the work undertaken both within CFA and the Australian Red Cross.”
The following statements about Sherri were read out at the ceremony:
“The Victorian Community has a very high expectation that CFA members will provide a safe environment for the children and young people in CFA’s care.
Sherri McKerley is nominated for her outstanding contribution to CFA providing a safe environment for the children and young people in CFA’s care. Sherri has also provided outstanding leadership in the encouragement and promotion of Youth Programs within CFA.
She has been proactive with the development of the approved CFA Children /Young Persons protection Policy which works hand in hand with the Victorian State Government Working with Children legislation.
Sherri has been innovative with the development of new procedures for the management of Junior Brigades. This has also incorporated the development of Junior Volunteer Support officer roles and the development & training of Junior Leaders.
To achieve the development of both the CFA Children /Young Persons protection Policy new management procedures and Information Booklets, she has shown outstanding leadership by conducting extensive consultation/briefing sessions to Volunteer Associations, Brigades and Area Management Teams.
Many of the innovations introduced by Sherri have been adopted by other emergency services around Australia.”
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