A SES stalwart has won a national medal for this dedication
A longstanding SES volunteer who was a driving force behind the established of specialised search and rescue crews has been recognised with a national award.
Tasmania
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A TASMANIAN SES volunteer behind the establishment of a specialised local search and rescue team has been awarded the Australian Search and Rescue Award for Outstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue.
Bill Folder’s award was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his most high-profile rescues, Mr Folder said a few stood out including a Christmas rescue in the Lake St Clair National Park where a young woman was lost for several days in thick snow.
The quietly-spoken man did not want to blow his own trumpet too much but his wife Sue said the family was very proud of what he had done for the SES and the community.
“It is simply in his nature to help others and the SES and search and rescue was right up his street,” Mrs Folder said.
Acting Sergeant Callum Herbert of Tasmania Police Search and Rescue said Mr Folder had has made a significant impact on many within the search and rescue field.
“It was his influence that inspired me to join the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue team,” Acting Sergeant Herbert said.
“I am honoured to stand beside Bill as he receives his award today and congratulate him on his achievement and national recognition.”
Bill enrolled as an SES volunteer in 1977 and 25 years ago he had a conversation with
SES Tasmania Regional Manager South Mark Nelson about setting up a dedicated and specially trained unit.
“His drive was what really got this going. That drive has had an incredible influence on how things are done today.”
“Bill’s contribution has been invaluable. He is a well-respected, keen, dedicated and reliable SES member who has trained many of his peers in remote area and alpine search and rescue operations in Tasmanian Wilderness.
“Bill was an inaugural member of the Southern SES Search and Rescue Team when it was formed.
“On behalf of SES Tasmania I congratulate Bill on his award today and thank him for his longstanding dedication and contribution to saving lives.”
Mr Folder was also included in the 2020 Australia Day Honours list receiving an Emergency Services Medal for his service.
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