Broome volunteer firefighter Craig Doyle wins WAFES award after responding to 112 callouts in a year

Broome Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Lieutenant Craig Doyle has been recognised for his tireless efforts over the past 20 years, winning the volunteer fire and rescue service individual achievement award at the WAFES Awards.

Mr Doyle began volunteering for the brigade in 2003 and received the award for his dogged determination to protect the community, attending 112 incidents in and around Broome during the 2021-22 financial year.

He said using his skills alongside his fellow volunteer firefighters to service the community and respond to a range of different emergency situations was gratifying.

“The most rewarding thing I think is working with the people that we have here,” he said.

“You learn a lot about yourself and also gain a lot of experience and knowledge in things that you never thought you would.

“It’s very rewarding responding to incidents and being able to intervene with the knowledge and the skill set that we’ve got.”

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said the recent bushfire season had reinforced the vital importance of emergency service workers to the safety of WA.

“In addition to responding to fires and other emergencies, our volunteer and career firefighters are heavily invested in building safer and more resilient communities,” he said.

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate not only our winners and finalists but all WA firefighters who display exceptional actions and qualities every day.”

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said he was grateful not only to the award winners but all emergency service workers and volunteers for their efforts and dedication over the past year.

“Over the past year, our emergency services staff and personnel have once again faced incredible challenges, working night and day to protect communities right across our State,” he said.

“These awards are a fitting opportunity to recognise those who have gone above and beyond, often putting their lives on the line to save others.”

The award winners were announced at the WAFES Awards gala dinner on September 10 at Crown Perth.