Commitment to Wagin garners award

A Wagin Fire and Rescue Service volunteer has been humbled by an award for his ongoing commitment to the station and community.

Station captain Darren Smith was honoured with a service award at a Department of Fire and Emergency Services ceremony last week.

Mr Smith, who was born and bred in Wagin, has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 16 years, six as captain.

Throughout his time in Wagin, he has led his team in building and restoring the station using his carpentry expertise, and provided a home away from home for volunteers and their families to enjoy.

He has spearheaded fundraising appeals which have bought the station new equipment and trucks, and has been involved in responding to serious crashes.

Nominated by his wife and colleagues, Mr Smith said he had no expectation he would win and described the award as a shock.

Mr Smith attributed his success to his wife Lyn and team members for contributing to the strong community spirit of the Wagin station, and was proud people in Perth now knew about the strong team.

“It’s great that Wagin’s name is out there,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s a great place and a good bunch of people.

"They deserve to be recognised.”

Mr Smith hopes the recognition will attract top ranking officers in Perth for visits to boost the station’s work morale and enable up-and-coming officers to gain the confidence to rise through station ranks.