The Waroona Shire Council awarded the highly prestigious local government award of Honorary Freeman to John Twaddle, known locally as "the Captain", on Friday, January 15.
It is only the fourth time in the Shire's long history that this award has been bestowed.
The ceremony was held in Waroona and attended by family, friends, local government members, work colleagues, Waroona Fire and Emergency Services members and special guests, including the Member for Canning Andrew Hastie MP, Member for Murray-Wellington Robyn Clarke MLA, Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Darren Klemm and Deputy Commissioner of DFES Craig Waters.
The Shire President advised the award was for his outstanding volunteer service to the Waroona community and of particular significance was:
- More than 60 years service to Waroona Agricultural Society
- More than 50 years service to Waroona Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services with 45 years as Captain; and
- More than 40 years service as a Shire Bush Fire Control Officer, with over 20 years as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
A completely surprised and delighted John Twaddle accepted the award from the Shire President and thanked Council for bestowing this award.
Everyone in attendance joined in congratulating John on his award and stayed for afternoon tea and light refreshments.
