After more than two decades serving the Katanning community as a firefighter, Katanning Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service captain Chris Brooks has been recognised with a 20-year clasp.

Mr Brooks said his interest in volunteering began at an early age inspired by his father who was a member of the brigade, having watched his work growing up.

“When my brother and I were younger, Dad was part of the brigade so when they had training or events we would go and see what was going on and as I got older I got more intrigued,” he said.

“I then joined the force on my 16th birthday.”

After years of doing courses and levelling up he became apparatus officer for a few years, was lieutenant for about eight years and then took over from Trevor Watson as captain in 2020.

At a VFRS dinner held last month, Mr Brooks was awarded the clasp for his countless hours spent at incidents and behind the scenes organising training, equipment, paperwork and liaising with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services regional office.

Mr Brooks said he had expected the award but it was hard to believe that it had already been two decades.

“We had an annual fire brigade dinner last month and I knew it was coming because it was pre-approved, but it was great,” he said.

“Trevor Watson was a great role model for me . . . he has moved away but he actually came back to the dinner and presented (the clasp) to me and that was awesome.

“It’s a bit hard to believe that it’s been 20 years . . . I’m very lucky and privileged to have a great group of people in the brigade and without them I wouldn’t do what I do.”

Mr Brooks encourages people to get involved with their local brigades because country towns need crews.

“During seeding and harvest its hard to get a crew,” he said.

“Country towns need people to step up and do what they can.

“If people are interested just tap someone on the shoulder and ask to join.

“I push for people to do what they can because, unlike the city we don’t have as many resources.

“Country towns need emergency services.”