General News
5 July, 2023
CFA volunteer reaches “rewarding” 40 years
DAVID Kenna has been recognised for 40 years of dedicated service to the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
DAVID Kenna has been recognised for 40 years of dedicated service to the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Mr Kenna, a CFA Mortlake Group officer, said he was humbled to be recognised but felt he had got back far more than he had given.
“It was very pleasing to be recognised but it’s not the reason I joined the CFA,” he said.
“I joined the CFA so we had a better community around us, a safer community.
“It was great to be recognised, but recognition was never my goal.”
Mr Kenna said he had found the decades of volunteering had helped him forge friendships with a wide range of individuals who similarly shared an interest in wanting to give back to their community.
“The people I’ve had the opportunity to be around are just incredible,” he said.
“Just their dedication; when something goes wrong, you can always count on the people around you for 100 per cent commitment.
“It’s great to think that, in a rural area, there is always something there who is willing to help when you most need it.
“I would like to think that people would respond to help my family and I if I was ever in that position, so that is my donation to the community around me.”
Mr Kenna said significant events from Ash Wednesday to the more recent St Patrick’s Day and Black Saturday bushfires stood out in his memory from over the years.
However, he felt knowing he was among the many who rush in to action to offer support and positive outcomes, be it during major events or day-to-day incidents, was where he kept his focus.
“Firefighters will always tell you about the large incidents they have been involved in, but you get a lot of call-outs and incidents to attend and you always hope to make a difference,” he said.
“For anyone who has a bit of spare time there is training available in the CFA and a need in the community for volunteers.
“It’s very rewarding knowing you’re helping people out; you’ve got the training behind you to do a safe job, and hopefully end up with a good result.”
Mr Kenna thanked his wife, Noelyn, acknowledging he could not have reached such a milestone without her understanding and support.
“You need that support because you can get in to certain situations where the extra skill level is definitely required, and that can be found across the volunteers comprising the CFA.”
Those interested in volunteering with the CFA can learn more at www.cfa.vic.go.au.