VICSES Benalla Unit honours Controller of 20 years

Benalla SES Unit members recently celebrated a major achievement for their Unit Controller Colin Croxford.

Colin has been dedicated to VICSES for the past 40 years and unit controller of the Benalla Unit for 20 years. Over this time he has inspired and led the unit to tackle any situation head on with pride and professionalism.

Colin has always made himself available to assist the service when required either with taskforces and late night meetings. Colin took on the role of Divisional and Sector commander at numerous emergency events locally and across the state and has built strong working relationships between all the local emergency services.

Colin even stepped into the position of controller at Wangaratta Unit for a little while to help the unit get back on their feet. At one point Colin was controller of both the Benalla and Wangaratta Unit. Colin put in many hours leading and implementing processes to help the Wangaratta Unit get back on their feet. Colin was awarded the SES CEO award in 2007 in recognition of his hard work and dedication.

Trevor White Chief Officer of Operations at VICSES attended the celebration and presented Colin with a Plaque to commemorate his achievements over the past 20 years as Unit Controller and 40 years as a VICSES volunteer.

Councillor Barbara Alexander representing the Mayor from Benalla Rural City Council presented Colin with a certificate of appreciation and highlighted the hard work Colin has put in over the years to ensure a strong working relationship with Council.

Former Benalla Unit Controller Graeme Hooper  attended and provided everyone with an insight into Colin before he took over the rains.

The night was the unit’s way of thanking Colin for his commitment over the years.