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The Moorabool News – 25 January, 2022 Page 11
Four decades of service
“Acting Deputy Chief Officer Michael Boatman has given more than 40 years outstanding service to CFA and the people of Victoria, particularly in the field of Community Safety,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
Deputy Chief Officer West Region Michael Boatman, more affectionally known as 'Boaty', officially retired on Wednesday 5 January, after more than 41 years of service with CFA.
Mr Boatman’s CFA career started on 30 June 1986 at what was then CFA’s headquarters in Milton Parade, Malvern. However, long before this, Michael had been a member of the Crowlands Rural Fire Brigade in District 16, since early 1980.
“The highlight of his career is the work that he has undertaken in the areas of fire prevention and mitigation in order to make Victorian communities safer. He has led the work in the Grampians region on fire prevention and mitigation from community education, engagement to vegetation management, and represented the Region and CFA on state-level committees. He has also provided a great support for the Managers Community Safety cohort and as such was a prominent leader of that team.
Bernard Boatman, Michael’s uncle, served as Captain of Crowlands for 32 years (19692001). His grandfather, Leslie Alexander Wilson Boatman, also served as Captain; there are no official records, though it’s known he served for a very long time. During his career with CFA, Mr Boatman held various roles including Assistant Regional Officer, Risk Manager in Horsham, Manager Community Safety for the whole of Grampians/West Region, as well as several higher duties roles as Regional Director, Executive Manager Community Safety and Assistant Chief Officer (now named Deputy Chief Officer). Former District 15 ACFO and fellow West Region alumni, Brett Boatman said to set the record straight once and for all, he and Michael are NOT brothers. They are only very distantly related via their great-great-grandfather. Brett spoke of Michael’s involvement in West Region since 1996, where his understated support has not always been visible, but very much appreciated.
(L-R) ACFO Brett Boatman with retiring DCO Michael Boatman. Photo – supplied CFA “Michael is well known throughout West Region; he can walk into any of the 200 brigades, 29 groups, 3 districts and 11 municipalities and be well known by everyone,” Brett said.
committed and is a friendly and calming influence to have around. West Region people are incredibly grateful to have had ‘Boaty’ lead them during the past two years.” Brett said.
“He is CFA’s expert in relation to technical reference groups in West Region for major infrastructure including major windfarms and more recently high voltage transmission lines, all with a high level of diplomacy.
In recognition of his retirement, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presented Michael with a CFA retirement certificate and plaque, along with his National Medal second clasp.
“Michael
has
been
compassionate,
Chief Officer Heffernan also presented Michael with an Outstanding Service Award.
“His ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders and to advocate for improvements to plans and processes have greatly assisted CFA in furthering its goal of protecting Victorians from fire. “He consistently models CFA values and is a worthy recipient of the CFA Outstanding Service Medal.” Cherie Graham, Emergency Management Coordinator with Moorabool Shire Council echoed those sentiments. “Michael definitely has the community at the forefront of everything that he undertakes through the CFA and is always available to provide support to Council and the Community during emergencies and planning for preparedness,” she said.