Ex-Captain of Newmerella Fire Brigade, Des Ryan, was awarded an Outstanding Service Medal (OSM) on Saturday, March 16, at a gathering of his brigade and peers across the group, district, VFBV and special guest, Lindsay O'Toole, who travelled from Newstead to celebrate his great mate.
The OSM is the CFA's most prestigious award which recognises prolonged service, distinguished by exceptional performance. 
Des' nomination was made by the Orbost Group in conjunction with the Newmerella Brigade and had been kept a secret from Des for four months.
Group officer, Ryan Findley, read out the citation and announced Des as the recipient, much to Des' surprise.
"CFA District 11 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Don Tomkins, presented the medal and mentioned that this was the first one in his career that he had seen awarded," Orbost group secretary, Kylie Findley, said.

IMAGE: Former captain of Newmerella Fire Brigade, Des Ryan, was recently awarded an Outstanding Service Medal (OSM) for his prolonged service with the brigade. PICTURED: Group Officer, Ryan Findley, CFA District 11 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Don Tomkins, OSM recipient, Des Ryan and Newmerella Brigade Captain, Jason Griebenow.