Michael Booth - North West

Michael was born and breed in Western Australia. He grew up in Perth and was transferred by Telstra to Karratha with his wife Di and daughter Kendi in 2000.

In 2002, the family joined the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS), Michael and Di as probationary members and Kendi with the junior running team.

“Having come from Perth, I had no idea there was such things as Volunteer Firefighters,” explained Michael. “Living in a remote town I found I needed something to keep me stimulated and it was a great way to make new friends. The brigade members eventually become our ‘home away from home’ family.”

Michael soon progressed to an active member, followed by becoming the apparatus officer and filled the shoes of captain for six years.

Then in 2010 he began representing the volunteers of the Northwest Kimberley and Pilbara as an executive member of the VFRS Association. In addition, Michael sat on the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Training Advisory Group for 12 years representing the Northwest.

In 2015 Karratha VFRS awarded Michael with life membership.

Michael is also a qualified volunteer emergency medical technician for St John Ambulance where, in addition to his community work with VFRS, he has been volunteering with for more than 12 years.