Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Garth Johnson has dedicated more than 45 years to serving his community as a CFA volunteer, a leader in road rescue and a wellbeing advocate.
Garth joined CFA on 12 April 1984 with Cranbourne Fire Brigade, following in the footsteps of his father.
“I grew up around CFA. It was a bit of a legacy,” Garth said.
Most of his service has been with Langwarrin Fire Brigade, where he is now a life member, alongside stints at Pearcedale and Devon Meadows.
Throughout his career, Garth has made significant contributions to CFA’s operational capability, particularly in road rescue.
It was during his time at Langwarrin that he helped develop what has since become the national standard road rescue vehicle used for emergency response.
He also played a key role in enhancing the Road Rescue training package, much of which remains in use today.
“Road rescue sort of took over my life,” he said.
“I had an engineering workshop at the time, and as a brigade we were building a new rescue unit. I was heavily involved in the design and layout, and it became my passion.
“We’re very proud of what we built, because that layout is now used across Australia.
“It was something we put a lot of time, effort and pride into. It was entirely funded by the brigade, and I made up a lot of the tools and attachments. We wanted the best possible setup.”
In late 1992, Garth attended a callout that would mark the beginning of a long and difficult personal journey.
“I went to an incident that triggered my PTSD,” he said.
Despite continuing to respond to emergencies for many years, Garth’s condition went undiagnosed.
“At the time, I didn’t realise what was happening,” he said.
“It took 23 years before I was diagnosed, because I wasn’t looking for it. When the diagnosis finally came, it was shock.”
“I ended up getting counselling, and that’s when things started to change for me,” he said.
After sharing his story with his peers and receiving strong support, Garth realised the impact his experience could have in helping others recognise the signs of PTSD.
“If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” he said.
“That’s why I made it my mission to help others.
“I started doing presentations at local brigades, and the feedback was really positive, so I kept going.”
The initiative quickly expanded.
“My wife Jane and I now travel the state, speaking at CFA brigades, SES and Coast Guard. It’s grown far beyond what I ever expected.”
Over the past 12 years, Garth has delivered more than 50 mental health presentations to emergency services personnel and their families.
“Because I didn’t reach out for so long, I tell my story right up front. I don’t hold back,” he said.
“We encourage partners to come along to the presentations, so they know what to look for and how to support their loved ones.
“The CFA wellbeing team is amazing. I always encourage people to reach out and get the help.”
On being awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal, Garth said: “To be honest, I’m a bit shocked. I never imagined I’d receive an award like this.”
“I’m honoured and very humbled.”
Even after four decades of service, Garth continues to lead from the front. He is currently an active member of Drouin Fire Brigade and recently returned from serving as a Strike Team Leader and Sector Commander during the Walwa bushfire.
| Submitted by | CFA media |
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