Rockleigh’s Marcus Truman (right) has been recognised for his significant contribution as a Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteer during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire season. Marcus, a Captain with the Rockleigh CFS Brigade, has been awarded the National Emergency Medal for six days of sustained service battling the Cudlee Creek Bushfires, which devastated the Adelaide Hills in December, 2019. 

The Cudlee Creek bushfire spread to more than 23,000 hectares, destroying almost 100 homes and causing significant damage to hundreds of other properties. The fire resulted in the loss of one life and 51 firefighter injuries. 

Marcus said that battling the fierce Adelaide Hills blaze had been the biggest challenge of his decade-long CFS career. 

“The initial attack on the fire was the most intense time, having to monitor and answer three radios, one telephone and a crew deck intercom for five crew, as well as watching and reporting fire behaviour,” he said. 

“Ten years as a volunteer, including the last four as Captain, has been character building and while it (the Cudlee Creek bushfire) was quite an experience, it’s certainly one that I hope doesn’t repeat itself. It was a great honour to receive the medal for six days straight of solid effort.’’

A wool buyer by profession with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, Marcus recently joined Quality Wool’s team of wool marketing professional s in South Australia, covering parts of the Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula for the family-owned company. In addition to buying, Marcus’ career also has included classing, education and shearing accessory sales, previously spending 11 years as SA Territory Manager with Heiniger, where he still holds the company record for the most TPW wool press sales in a month (35). 

Marcus also operated his own private wool buying business for eight years, as well as lending his knowledge to the next generation during a stint as an instructor in TAFE SA’s shearing and wool handler program.