A LANGWARRIN Fire Brigade stalwart has been recognised for four decades of volunteering with an Australian Fire Service Medal.
The CFA confirmed the five recipients of the prestigious award last week. Among them was Langwarrin Fire Brigade life member Garth Johnson.
Johnson has been a volunteer for more than 40 years, first joining the CFA in 1984 as a member of the Cranbourne Fire Brigade. He has since spent most of his time with the Langwarrin Fire Brigade, earning a life membership, and has also served at Pearcedale and Devon Meadows.
Johnson helped develop the state’s first rescue unit and improved road rescue training, and has also worked extensively to raise awareness for PTSD among emergency service workers. He says a traumatic callout in 1992 triggered his PTSD, which went undiagnosed for more than 20 years.
“At the time, I didn’t realise what was happening. It took 23 years before I was diagnosed, because I wasn’t looking for it. When the diagnosis finally came, it was shock,” Johnson said. “I ended up getting counselling, and that’s when things started to change for me. If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. That’s why I made it my mission to help others.
“I started doing presentations at local brigades, and the feedback was really positive, so I kept going. My wife Jane and I now travel the state, speaking at CFA brigades, SES and Coast Guard. It’s grown far beyond what I ever expected.
“Because I didn’t reach out for so long, I tell my story right up front. I don’t hold back. We encourage partners to come along to the presentations, so they know what to look for and how to support their loved ones. The CFA wellbeing team is amazing. I always encourage people to reach out and get the help.”
After receiving the medal, Johnson said “to be honest, I’m a bit shocked. I never imagined I’d receive an award like this. I’m honoured and very humbled.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan has congratulated the five award recipients – he said “CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country.”
“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication,” he said.
First published in the Frankston Times – 3 February 2026