Oakford Bush Fire Brigade

20/07/2026

08/07/2026

At our AGM last night, we recognised two members with our annual brigade awards for their outstanding contributions.

The Firefighter of the Year award, voted on by all active brigade members, was presented to Luke Freeman. Chosen by the members who stand alongside him on the fireground, Luke's recognition reflects the respect he has earned in an exceptionally short time. Despite being a first-season firefighter, he has demonstrated outstanding commitment through consistent incident attendance, stepping into Incident Management roles when asked, and dedicating countless weekends to expanding his skills and qualifications. His enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to continually improve have set an outstanding example for every new member who joins the brigade.

The Distinguished Service Award, determined by the brigade leadership team, was awarded to Tod Bergersen. This award recognises sustained, exceptional service and contributions that extend well beyond just operational matters. Tod has been instrumental in strengthening our brigade through his leadership, experience and commitment to continuous improvement. Whether developing training, mentoring members, shaping brigade procedures and best-practice, or leading our competition running team, his influence can be seen across almost every aspect of the brigade. He is a trusted leader whose knowledge, integrity and dedication continue to make Oakford a stronger and more capable brigade.

Both Luke and Tod have made an outstanding contribution to our brigade and our community. Congratulations to both recipients on these well-deserved awards.

26/06/2026

It's great to have Cloudbreak WA onboard!

20/06/2026

At this year's Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Emergency Services Awards, volunteers from across the Shire were recognised for their long service. Don Wright and Ross Cooper are current Oakford members, and Phil Brown is a former member of the brigade. Combined, they have given 70 years to emergency services and protecting the community.

🎖️ Don Wright

Three decades of turning out in the heat of summer, answering the call at all hours, and showing up year after year. Don served as Captain of the Oakford brigade for over 15 years, leading our members through countless incidents, training nights, and fire seasons. More than half his time at Oakford has been spent at the head of the brigade.

These days, Don keeps our fire station and appliances in top condition, so that when we are mobilised the trucks are ready to roll and our crews can respond without delay. It is quiet, behind the scenes work that often goes unnoticed, and it has been a constant throughout his time at Oakford.

Thirty years is an extraordinary achievement. Don's leadership helped shape the brigade into what it is today, and the work he keeps putting in is what keeps it running.

🎖️ Ross Cooper

Twenty years of service, and in that time Ross has taken on some of the most demanding roles the brigade has to offer: Lieutenant, Fire Control Officer, Training Officer, and Firefighter. As a Lieutenant he has led crews on the fireground and as Training Officer he put in the hours making sure our members were prepared and capable for each season.

That breadth of experience is hard won, and it is exactly what makes Ross such a valued member of the brigade.

🎖️ Phil Brown

Now serving with the Mundijong Bush Fire Brigade, Phil spent his Oakford years as Captain, Lieutenant, and Firefighter, holding the brigade's most senior operational roles. Reaching twenty years takes genuine commitment, both on the fireground and in the responsibility that comes with leading a brigade. It is good to see Phil recognised for that service, and to know it is continuing at Mundijong.

To Don, Ross and Phil, thank you for your leadership and the countless hours you have given over the years. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition. 👏🚒

18/06/2026

Monday marked a milestone many years in the making. The first sod has officially been turned on Pony Place, the future home of the Oakford Bush Fire Brigade.

The new Oakford Fire Station represents more than bricks and concrete. It's a long-term investment in the safety of our community and in the volunteers who give up their time, day and night, to protect it. A proper, purpose-built fire station means better facilities, faster turnout, and a stronger base to serve Oakford and Western Australia for decades to come.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped get us here: our brigade members, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, and the community who've backed us every step of the way.

Watch this space as construction gets underway. We can't wait to show you what's coming. 🔥🚒

13/06/2026

Last night the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale held its Emergency Services Awards Night and we are proud to share that two Oakford members took home well-earned recognition.

🏅 Captain's Award

The Captain's Award was presented to Dave Forster (pictured) and his contribution to the brigade is perhaps best summed up by the reputation he has quietly earned among his peers. Whether it's an incident, a training session, or a task that falls outside anyone's job description, Dave gets it done. His nickname, the "Oakford Fixer," was not given lightly. It reflects consistent, practical contribution across every area of brigade life, from the fireground to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.

On the fireground and off it, Dave brings the same attitude: willing, capable, and reliable. He is the kind of member who doesn't wait to be asked, who sees what needs doing and does it, and who others know they can count on without question. Last night's recognition is well deserved, and it reflects the genuine esteem in which he is held by the brigade.

🏅 Chief's Award

The coveted Chief's Award was awarded to Paul Larsen, who serves as our Treasurer and 2nd Lieutenant, though his contribution to the brigade runs far deeper than either of those roles suggests. Paul is the brigade's lead on the new Oakford Fire Station project, a milestone that represents years of planning and advocacy, and one that will benefit both the brigade and the broader community for generations to come.

On the fireground, he approaches every incident with professionalism and composure, consistently invests in his own development through ongoing training, and has built genuine working relationships with everyone he encounters in the field.

What makes this year's award particularly meaningful is what Paul's attentiveness helped uncover. His diligence played a direct role in identifying a suspect who was subsequently charged by Strike Force Vulcan with arson-related offences. That kind of contribution is quietly extraordinary, and it speaks clearly to the standard Paul holds himself to and the genuine commitment he brings to protecting the community.

Congratulations to Dave and Paul for their achievements, and to all award recipients across the Shire. Thank you to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for recognising the volunteers who keep our communities safe.

15/05/2026

Today we joined our friends and colleagues in the Perth C*D collecting donations as part of the 2026 Metropolitan Bush Fire Brigade Street Appeal.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who stopped to make a donation, say hello, or show their support throughout the day. The generosity shown by the community is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in supporting volunteer bush fire brigades and the work we do across Western Australia.

Days like today are also a great opportunity to engage with the community, raise awareness of volunteer emergency services, and recognise the important contribution volunteers make in protecting lives, property, and the environment.

A big thank you as well to the team from City of Gosnells Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade for coordinating and organising the day.

05/04/2026

What a weekend at the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services Association of WA Inc Easter Championships!

As reported, Oakford took out the Pump Appliance Double Disc 4 Competitor event and our friends at Kwinana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service claimed the win in the Pump Appliance Flaked and Disabled Hose event. A fantastic result all round for both teams, and a brilliant way to spend the Easter long weekend.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Bunbury Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service for their generous hospitality in providing accommodation over the championships. It made a real difference to our team and is very much appreciated.

There is one person, however, who deserves a very special mention this weekend, and that’s Tod Bergersen. Tod is a Station Officer with CFRS, Oakford’s Training Officer, Competition Team Leader, and one of our dedicated volunteer firefighters, and he has been the driving force behind Oakford entering a competition that wasn’t necessarily designed for a brigade like ours. Last year he led us in as a single team, and we went on to claim an event and set a state record. This year we returned, claimed another event, and that record still stands. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.

What makes Tod’s contribution even more remarkable is that his commitment extends well beyond Oakford. He also coached the Kwinana VFRS team and competed in the 6-man event with Harvey Volunteer Fire & Rescue who he also joined in Victoria at a recent competition. He gives his time, his knowledge, and his energy to these competitions and to every community he’s a part of.

Tod, on behalf of everyone at Oakford, thank you.

Thank you for believing we belonged at this level, for building something special with us, and for everything you continue to give to your brigade, your community, and this sport. We couldn’t be prouder to have you in our corner.

04/04/2026

We’re halfway through Day 1 and Oakford have taken out the Pump Appliance Double Disc 4 competitor event with Kwinana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service taking out the Pump Appliance Flaked Hose & Disabled Hose event.

Let’s go teams!

02/04/2026

This weekend, the Oakford Bush Fire Brigade returns to the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services Association of WA Inc State Easter Championships at Hay Park in Bunbury, joining Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service brigades from across Western Australia for two days of competition.

Representing Oakford this year is a strong and well-prepared team. Returning competitors, Team Leader Tod Bergersen, Ben Tanner, and Nathan Bishop, bring valuable experience from last year’s championships. They are joined by Luke Freeman, Auston Baker, Paul James, Daniel Edwards, and Dave Forster, each stepping up to take on the challenge and proudly represent the brigade.

Over the course of the weekend, the team will put their skills, coordination, and teamwork to the test across a range of events that highlight the capability and professionalism of volunteer firefighters. Beyond the competition, the championships are a great opportunity to connect with other brigades and strengthen the sense of camaraderie across the service.

We wish the team all the very best and look forward to seeing them in action. Stay safe, give it everything, and make Oakford proud.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our neighbours at Kwinana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service for their generous support in training with our team and providing access to their HSR appliance, and Armadale Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service for the use of their running track. We also extend our appreciation to the other competing brigades for their support, warm welcome, and inclusiveness.