Sea squad honoured
The efforts of Albany Sea Rescue Squad volunteers were celebrated on Saturday, September 14, at a medal presentation ceremony at Emu Point.
Among the 23 recipients were father and son Fred and Colin Bairstow, who were awarded 35-year service medals.
Squad president Jason Howard said the awards were special.
“Anybody that serves any stint as a volunteer is to be applauded,” he said.
Colin said being a volunteer for the sea rescue had become part of his life.
“It’s extremely humbling and not something you expect,” the 52-year-old said.
“You don’t do it for the accolades; it’s very much a joint effort.”
Colin said his interest in sea rescue developed after growing up and working on the water alongside his father.
“When you work on the water you understand what it’s like to be out in bad conditions,” he said. “If you’re in trouble it’s nice to know someone will come and get you … when it’s 2am and there’s been a flare sighting you go for their sake because you know how it feels to be sitting out there waiting.”
Fred, now 81, is no longer an active member but is the patron of Albany Sea Rescue Squad.
Also honoured on the day with five-year service medals were Janet Bairstow, Heinz Dickman, Kerrin Digney, Jason Shepherd, Sumanth Surendran, Bryan Keatley and Murray Martin.
Robin Bromilow, Chris Johns, Ian Smith and Alan Edwards got 10-year medals and Noel Francis, Ray Briggs, Rob Besson, Kevin Parson, Geoff Johnson and Rob Colmer received 15-year medals.
John Ausma received a 20-year medal, Colin Page and Stan and Joyce Morley received 25-year service medals.
