THE Swan State Emergency Service (SES) is one of three local finalists in the WA Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) awards, with the winners to be announced in September.

Manager of Swan SES Daryl Coleman said he was extremely lucky to be leading such a wonderful group of volunteers.

“I couldn’t be prouder for our team to be a finalist for the SES team achievement award,” he said.

“The effort and commitment of the team is phenomenal, and their commitment can only be possible with the support of their family and friends to whom we must give huge thanks.”

Between mid-December 2023 and the end of January 2024, Swan SES dedicated over 650 volunteer hours assisting the community in fire support, storm callouts, land searches and other incidents.

The other local WAFES award finalists are Luke Johnson (West Swan Bush Fire Brigade) and Danny Jeater (Swan SES).

Mr Johnson, who has been nominated for the Murray Lang Bushfire Service Award, said he began volunteering at the age of 18 in Serpentine and it was a great way to not only help people, but get connected to the community.

The training officer since 2020 and lieutenant since 2021, Mr Johnson is responsible for a team of 12 firefighters.

He also heads up the fundraising and community engagement committee (FCEC), which involves coordinating the brigade’s community engagement events throughout the year.

Danny Jeater (Swan SES) has been nominated for the Peter Keillor award for his exemplary work in developing and coordinating Exercise Walyunga.

This was a multi-agency simulation exercise involving DFES, the State Emergency Service, St John WA, City of Swan, ARC Infrastructure and the Perth Transport Authority.

“The object of the exercise was to test response and management strategies for a mass casualty emergency and more than 100 participants took part,” he said.

In addition to his role in developing Exercise Walyunga, Mr Jeater also managed and led the north-east large air tanker (LAT) SES reloader team.

During the high fire threat period, Mr Jeater ensured the LAT reloader team was equipped with the necessary resources and information to respond swiftly when required.

The winners of the WAFES Awards will be announced at a gala dinner at Crown Perth on Saturday, September 7.