Three long-serving volunteers from the Pakenham unit of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) have been awarded Unit Life Membership, recognising decades of service to emergency response and community safety across the region.
The recipients — Bruce Monro, Chris Rogers and Michael Bates — have each met and exceeded the criteria for the award, which recognises sustained service, significant contribution to unit capability, and conduct consistent with VICSES values.
Together, the three men represent more than a century of combined volunteer service, spanning major fires, floods, storms and road crash rescues in Pakenham and surrounding communities.
Bruce Monro joined the Pakenham VICSES unit in 1981 and completed more than 40 years of continuous service. Over that time, he responded to fires, floods, storms and road crash rescues, and was deployed during major events including Ash Wednesday in 1983 and Black Saturday in 2009.
Mr Monro also served as a Peer Support Officer, supporting fellow volunteers, and played a mentoring role for newer members. Now 80 years old, he has recently stepped back from active service. His contribution has previously been recognised through a Cardinia Shire Senior Citizen of the Year nomination.
Chris Rogers has served with the Pakenham unit since 1984, contributing more than 40 years of volunteer service. He has extensive experience responding to road crash rescues and other emergency incidents, including major storms and floods.
Mr Rogers has been a key figure in training, particularly in road crash rescue, leading regular sessions to maintain operational standards within the unit. He continued training and operational commitments during the pandemic. In 2021, he was named Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year for his contribution to the community.
Michael Bates joined the Pakenham unit in 2004 and has provided more than 20 years of service, following earlier volunteer military experience. He has held leadership roles including Deputy Controller, Operations Officer and Section Leader.
Over his years of service, Mr Bates has responded to a wide range of emergencies, including road rescues, water rescues, technical rescues, and storm and flood responses. His extensive operational experience is complemented by leadership, mentoring, and training, helping maintain and develop the unit’s capability.
Unit Life Membership is awarded to volunteers who have demonstrated long-term dedication, significant contribution to their unit and community, and a record of service free from disciplinary action. Recipients remain formally recognised by their unit and invited to significant future events.
Pakenham SES welcomes new volunteers and encourages anyone interested in helping their community to enquire about joining. Volunteers play a vital role in emergency response, training, and community resilience across the region.
