Mr Stephens was presented with the honour at the annual awards night in December, where CFA Board Member Beth Davidson presented him with his medal.

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Mr Stephens was nominated for CFA's most prestigious award by his peers, for his contributions to the CFA and the wider community.

"The whole brigade deserves this award; we can't achieve, or effect change without others coming on the journey with us," he said.

Mr Stephens joined the Malmsbury Fire Brigade and CFA, after relocating from Melbourne to Malmsbury with his young family in 2007.

"It was a good way to be a part of the community and give back by joining the local fire brigade," he said.

"From that point, I saw the brigade as not just about firefighting.

"I saw the broader role and importance of the brigade in the local community, it's embedded into and integral to community health and wellbeing."

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Mr Stephens was also recognised for his inspirational and outstanding leadership of diversity initiatives and readily responds to requests from other brigades and forums across Victoria and interstate to share his wisdom.

In 2018, he was the recipient of a Spirit of CFA Excellence Award for his achievements as an advocate for Inclusion and Fairness.

"Brigade capability is linked to diversity," he said.

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"Malmsbury has an increasingly diverse community. Seeing this diversity reflected in the local brigade has not only strengthened brigade capability, it has increased the ability to service the community."

Mr Stephens is a community advocate and encourages everyone to consider joining their local brigade.

"Everyone has value to give to their local brigade and in turn, their community. There is a role for everyone, it's not just about firefighting," he said.

"Being a member of a brigade builds a stronger and more resilient community and is good for both physical and mental wellbeing.

"All we ask is that people live CFA values and want to contribute. You will get back as much as you put in."

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