VICSES Life Membership bestowed on Benalla Unit stalwart
Unwavering service and more than two decades of outstanding leadership have seen Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Benalla Unit volunteer Colin Croxford ESM added to an exclusive list alongside some of Victoria’s most dedicated volunteers.
Honoured during an intimate ceremony at VICSES Benalla Unit’s Samaria Road headquarters earlier this month, Colin was officially awarded VICSES Life Membership acknowledging his almost 50 years of remarkable volunteer service to north east communities, more than 20 of which were spent as VICSES Benalla Unit Controller.
Since joining the expanding VICSES Benalla Unit while in his late teens at the suggestion of his brother-in-law, Colin has been a pillar of the unit, serving as either a Unit Controller or Deputy Controller for more than 31 years between 1987 and 2018.
Leading by example throughout his tenure with VICSES, Colin grew to be well-regarded across the emergency services sector for the exceptional commitment and reliability he provided and instilled in his volunteers, attending countless callouts for storms, floods and other emergencies.
A willing first responder as devastating flooding struck the north east in 1993, Colin’s steadiness and calm leadership played a vital role in keeping communities safe throughout, as it has during a multitude of major road accidents along the nearby Hume Freeway and surrounding rural roads in recent decades.
His passion for serving his community has also extended outside of Benalla, with Colin a regular fixture on both intra and inter-state deployments to assist communities in need throughout his VICSES career.
As one of VICSES’ 20 longest-tenured current volunteers, Colin has played an important role in shaping the next generation of VICSES volunteers and leaders, showing a notable enthusiasm for engaging and imparting his experiences on those who follow in his footsteps.
His passion for training has also never failed to waver, as he still attends sessions each Wednesday night to build and share knowledge with his fellow volunteers to ensure his beloved unit is always well-prepared to support its community.
The addition of VICSES Life Membership to an impressive list of service awards which already includes an Emergency Services Medal (ESM), a National Medal (3rd Clasp), a VICSES CEO’s Award and countless long-service honours highlights the incredible contributions Colin has made to VICSES and the valuable legacy he continues to forge in Benalla and surrounding communities.
Quotes attributable to Colin Croxford, VICSES Benalla Unit volunteer:
“Being able to give back to my community in their times of need has been an incredible experience, and allowed me to forge life-long friendships and develop important skills which have aided me in all aspects of life.
“We don’t volunteer in the hopes of receiving recognition, but it’s certainly nice to know my contribution is valued by my unit and by VICSES as a whole.”
Quotes attributable to Chris Brockwell, VICSES Operations Manager:
“Colin’s humility, good humour and tireless work ethic have left a lasting impression on everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him over almost half a century, and it’s great to be able to celebrate his service appropriately with VICSES Life Membership.
“His years of steady leadership and committed service have made a real and lasting difference in his community and throughout VICSES.”
