16/05/2026
On Friday, 15 May 2026, Lieutenants Rhys Keown and Dean Gibson were honoured for the part they played as members of Strike Team 1392 that deployed to the Black Summer Fires in Mallacoota in 2019.
Members of Strike Team 1392 were awarded the Chief Officer’s Unit Citation for Courage for their tireless and selfless efforts.
The citation for Strike Team 1392 reads as follows:
The town of Mallacoota has now become synonymous with the Black Summer fires of 2019-2020. After days of crews preparing to defend the town, the fire front arrived on 31 December 2019 and Mallacoota immediately captured the public's imagination as one of the most significantly affected areas during that unprecedented summer.
Strike Team 1392 was ordered to the Local Command Facility at the Mallacoota Fire Station that morning which had 18 people inside, no CFA fire appliance to defend it, and was at risk from an approaching fire. Just prior to arriving at the station the fire crossed the road between the vehicles. putting members of the Strike Team in danger.
They arrived at the station and parked in front of the building, ready to protect it from the flames that were said to be 50 metres high at the forest edge, just 60 metres from the road and near the station.
Despite being well within their rights to fall back, take safety elsewhere and wait for the front to ease, the team worked tirelessly to protect the main and side buildings of the station and nearby houses. They placed themselves in grave danger in aid of the people inside the building, and for that they will always be remembered.
In the face of extreme adversity these members were completely committed to their core role of protecting lives and property. In the most challenging conditions, they have demonstrated to the highest level the spirit of CFA.
Whilst the safety and well being of firefighters is of paramount importance to CFA, extraordinary actions do take place.
This was one such occasion.
Aaron Farr, Captain of Wonga Park, says “I am extremely proud of the courageous efforts of Strike Team 1392, but even more so for our Wonga Park Members, Lieutenants Keown and Gibson. Their dedication and commitment to CFA and its mission of protecting lives and property is evident and recognised through this award and the community of Wonga Park should be proud to have them part of our Brigade, continuing CFA’s mission in Wonga Park of protecting lives and property.”
Congratulations Rhys, Dean and all members of Strike Team 1392.
