Local Fire Safety Hero Aides Fire Awareness
Monday, October 20th 2008
Garry Watson never thought he’d be commended for simply doing his job. The Croydon local and MFB station officer was rewarded for his efforts developing a state-of-the-art water recycling module in the 2008 Fire Awareness Awards.
The Fire Awareness Awards are an initiative of the states fire authorities, MFB, CFA and DSE, and are proudly supported by RACV Insurance. They were developed to publicly recognise the success of fire safety initiatives by individuals, fire agencies, groups and organisations.
Station officer Watson said that he was pleased that the water recycling module, which recycles water for fire training purposes, was recognised for its benefits for the fire service and the wider community.
“The water saving potential of the project is enormous. If the pod was used for MFB training for one hour a day, each weekday for a year, approximately 20 million litres of drinking water would be saved per year.
“After the water is used for training, it can then be redistributed for use within the community in parklands, sports fields and toilet flushing of public amenities,” said station officer Watson.
The conservation initiative has helped to secure a reliable source of water for firefighters to continue to undertake their role in the protection of the community, to continue training for skills maintenance and to reduce the MFB’s impact on drinking water supplies.
MFB acting commander Steve Watts said that the awards were an opportunity for Victoria’s fire authorities to acknowledge and reward the community for their fire prevention and safety efforts.
“Each year, we are amazed by the efforts of individuals and groups who get on the front foot to respond to the threat of fire.
“Anyone can be a fire safety hero and it’s pleasing to be able to salute the efforts of the community through these awards,” he said.
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