BARRY Schramm has been awarded Mitiamo Fire Brigade life membership.
Secretary Ted Kaye made the presentation at a function in Shepparton where CFA Loddon catchment commander Bryan Suckling also presented Ted with his 45-year service medal.
Barry joined the Nar Nar Goon CFA when he was 18 and has been a dedicated CFA member since, fulfilling firefighter roles and essential support roles at Merrigum, Echuca Village and since 1977, Mitiamo. 
Ted said: “Ably assisted by his wife Lois, he has done an outstanding job ensuring essential communication of fire dispatches and co-ordination of firefighter response. 
“Providing this crucial service has been a task of epic proportions, using phone and radio, always being on call, and remembering that the fire maxim is soonest there, soonest out, soonest home. 
“Barry has been a staunch supporter of our brigade, attending meetings as local delegate and being a vocal advocate at times when he saw the need.”
The brigade also presented Louis with an award of appreciation.
“As the coming fire season approaches, our members will be supported by Lois in Barry’s stead, fulfilling this essential service to our local community,” said Ted after members had joined Barry for the presentation.