By BRIDGET SCOTT
A CRANBOURNE South man has won $10,000 for his fire brigade through a program to recognise unsung community heroes.
Cole’s employee and member of Devon Meadows Fire Brigade, John Sanderson, was humbled to be awarded second prize in a national campaign run in store by Coles. The Coles campaign aimed to recognise its team members who are also passionate about their community, and enable them to do more for their chosen organisation.
Mr Sanderson, who is the state operations manager for Coles online, Victoria and Tasmania, was made a finalist and went into the national final.
The local volunteer was runner-up and received a $10,000 donation for his chosen community organisation. This was in addition to $1000 that he already won for the brigade via a merchandise award.
The firefighter, who has been at the Devon Meadows Brigade for the past 18 months, said it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to join up.
“We were on holidays on the Gold Coast and I said to my son, why don’t we join the CFA,” he said.
“From there, life has changed.”
Mr Sanderson fought fires in Halls Gap around the Grampions and said one reason he was nominated for the award was due to his work during that time.
He also fought at the Wallan and Hazelwood Power Station fires.
In a speech which he prepared for the awards, Mr Sanderson recounted a time during the Wallan fires where he was part of a crew which saved a school.
Always happy to help, Mr Sanderson said he wasn’t in it for the attention.
“I am not into the fame and glory,” he said.
“I don’t want people to tell me how wonderful I am, I’m part of a team.”
Captain of the Devon Meadows Fire Brigade Andrew Swain said the money would most likely go towards a new ultralight vehicle which carries 500 litres of water.
