WINGECARRIBEE Rural Fire Service Group Captain Geoff Thiessen was one of 27 firefighters to receive an Australian Fire Service Medal in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Mr Thiessen joined the RFS in 1963 and has been president of the Yerrinbool Brigade for 14 years.
His 47-years of selfless sacrifice to protect the community has not gone unnoticed and the former orchardist said he had no idea who nominated him. The 62-year-old said he was very surprised to receive the award.
His time at the RFS had been pleasurable.
“It’s about helping the community and giving something back,” he said.
Mr Thiessen lived and worked at Tennessee Orchard in Yerrinbool for 57 years before moving to East Bowral.
He was Yerrinbool’s deputy captain for 10 years and was brigade captain for more than 19 years. He was appointed group captain in 1998 and has provided outstanding leadership in the district, an honours’ list statement said.
Firefighting is a family affair for the Thiessens.
Peter Thiessen followed in his father’s footsteps and is a senior deputy captain at Yerrinbool.
Wendy Smith is a fire mitigation officer at the Wingecarribee headquarters and Geoff’s other daughter, Maree, is a communications officer and is married to Wingecarribee RFS superintendent Ashley Frank.
“He has mentored deputy group captains, enabling them to experience his local knowledge and vast firefighting experience,” the statement said.
“Mr Thiessen was a divisional commander during several major incidents and played a significant role in the Incident Management Team during the Willow Vale bushfires (2003).
“His significant contribution was instrumental in the reduction of property loss.”
Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC said the 474 recipients of the Birthday Honours List were for diverse contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.
“Awards in the Australian honours system represent the highest level of recognition accorded by our nation for outstanding achievement and service,” Ms Bryce said.
“The honours recognise community values and celebrate what is important and unifying in Australian life.”
Mr Thiessen has been a delegate on the Local Bush Fire Management Committee as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
He has led several out-of-area task forces and he regularly assists in the planning and implementation of hazard reduction works.
He has worked with the Yerrinbool Brigade to build a new brigade station and assisted with the preparation of several grant applications.
Assisting with the after hours duty roster for the past eight years as well as being a volunteer delegate on the District Bush Fire Management Committee were also noted as achievements.
“He has served the community of NSW with distinction,” the Honours List statement said.
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