Category Award - Emergency Services
Michael Blaseotto - Recipient of the Emergency Services Category Award
Nominated by ACT Rural Fire Service
The ACT Rural Fire Service is one of the four operational services of the government agency ACT Emergency Services Authority (ESA). There are over 450 volunteer bushfire fighters within nine brigades.
For the past five years, Michael Blaseotto has been a firefighter for Gruises Creek Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade. He aids in fire suppression and community education activities. Michael continues to attend Brigade training sessions every fortnight and has been available when the need arises. He has been present for many incidents, including the Canberra Fires of 2001 and the January Fires two years later. For his contribution, he was awarded an ACT Emergency Medal.
Since 2004, Michael has taken up the role as Director of FESTA (Fire and Emergency Services Training Agency). As Director, he has coordinated over 120 members in the annual two day exercise program for ACT Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Services. His tasks involved preparation prior, during and after the event. He was responsible for coordinating working groups, to ensure communication was consistent and adequate with the various stakeholders, organising promotional material for the event, setting up standards and maintaining records while also participating in the various activities. Michael's outstanding contribution has led to the success of the program for over two years.
Michael has devoted on average two hours a week of his time to training. In regards to fire responses, especially the fires of 2001 and 2003, Michael took part in 12 hour shifts to ensure that the fire was contained. Fire responses may vary from 2-12 hours, and as a result Michael has devoted on average 4-5 hours per week for the past two years. Michael has provided invaluable service to the ACT Community throughout the years and continues to do so.