TWO of Loxton’s youngest SES recruits have taken out the top honour at this year’s SA State Emergency Service (SASES) awards.
Loxton SES members Beatrice Walladge and Sophie Western, both aged 17, were honoured with ‘Cadet of the Year’ in February for their dedication to the Riverland canine group and the contributions made to the development, training and success of the other canine teams across the region.
Beatrice and Sophie said they were shocked to receive the award, particularly given as it is usually reserved for one person.
SES district group officer Danny Wood said however, both girls, who have been with the team for just over a year, have worked tirelessly both in uniform and out of uniform, and have earnt the award.
“Their efforts since February 14, to get their dogs – both of which aren’t very old – up to speed as quickly and well as they did, and as strong performers, is just mind-blowing,” he said.
“We used to sit down after every training session and say, ‘Okay, what are you going to work on at home for next week?’, and they’d come back and achieve it every time.
“I’m pleased they both got the award – I think they’re both very deserving.”
Mr Wood said the girls not only work the dogs, but have trained in other fields, and have soon become operational members of the unit – a rank cadets usually do not receive.
“The girls are really dedicated to growing, really future-proofing and really consolidating the efforts of the team,” he said.
“(Sophie) keeps an eye on all of our training software and GPS collars for the dogs so we can see them on a map, roaming around the place, and Beatrice looks after social media.
“They’ve trained in land search formally and have a national qualification, they’ve trained in communications, and done map reading to our level.”
Mr Wood said the girls had both demonstrated ideas and intents for the future of the SES that exceeded the norm of other cadets in the field.
He said he was thankful himself and the team at Loxton took a chance on the girls, and could not what to see future works in the pipeline come to fruition.
Beatrice and Sophie said it is such a great opportunity to be a part of such a great and to work with their dogs, and they look forward to their future with the SES.