SES Mounted Section volunteers were honoured at a farewell ceremony in Wandi today after more than three decades of serving the Western Australian community.
The team of dedicated riders were presented with plaques to acknowledge their important role in large-scale searches over the past 35 years.
Nearly half of its members volunteered for longer than a decade, collectively contributing almost 200 years of service to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Several volunteers were presented with long service medals to recognise their tireless work for the ‘Orange Family’.
Active Mounted Section horses were awarded service pins during the ceremony at Magenup Equestrian Centre. The Mounted Section was formed in 1987 as a sub-section of the Armadale SES, before becoming its own unit in 1991.
A resolution on the group’s future was finalised last year after a comprehensive consultation process between DFES, WA Police Force and the SES Mounted Section.
The Mounted Section held its final training session late last month following a decision to officially close the unit on March 31.
Several of the group’s members have decided to volunteer elsewhere with the SES.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The decision to disband the unit was not taken lightly, with extensive meetings held last year between DFES, WA Police and the Mounted Section.
“The long-serving members of this unique group stepped up each time they were called upon, helping reassure worried families every possible avenue was being explored to find their loved one.
“I thank all past and present members of the SES Mounted Section for their dedication to serving their community in times of need over the last 35 years.”
