Glenn Mclaren has been an active volunteer with the Springvale Fire Brigade for 17 years and currently serves as the Captain.
In January he was recognised as Volunteer of the Year at the 2025 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
Glenn serves as a leader and mentor to other volunteers in the fire brigade and is constantly working to improve community safety and connection. Fellow volunteers said his commitment to the community was a key reason for his Australia Day Award nomination.
For many years Glenn has supported a CFA presence at community events, including Springvale Snow Fest and Lunar New Year celebrations, and has supported education programs in local schools.
For his service Glenn has been awarded numerous certificates and campaign medals, and received the National Emergency Medal in 2009.
Glenn has attended thousands of emergency calls during his time as a firefighter, both big and small and continues to answer the calls.
He was honoured by his nomination for the Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Obviously when you start out as a volunteer you never actually envision that you’re going to be recognised or win an award like that,” Glenn said.
“It’s a big team effort at the fire brigade, it’s not just one person putting the fire out. To receive this award is quite an honour not just for me but for all of Springvale Fire Brigade.”
