Assistant chief fire officer-regional commander William (Bill) Johnstone received the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the Victorian community.
The AFSM is the highest recognition for members of Australian fire and rescue
services and honours distinguished service.
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill started as a volunteer at Gisborne fire brigade in 1983.
He served with the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service at Avalon, Tullamarine,
Hobart and Cairns before returning to Victoria and joining the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) career ranks in 2000.
Mr Johnstone has extensive experience in operational management and has played vital leadership roles during major incidents including the Kerang Rail tragedy. He was also the inaugural Assistant Chief Fire Officer of CFA District 27 in the wake of the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire.
More recently, he was the lead controller for the major floods in north and northwest Victoria.
His distinguished management and influence in the emergency services sector is exceptional, and he has been integral to the successful response and recovery of Victorian communities.
