TOORADIN firefighter Edward Clay, the ‘father’ of the Casey Country Fire Authority Group, was honoured on Monday.

Mr Clay, a fire brigade volunteer, for more than 50 years, received the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday awards. Mr Clay has been a leader at brigade and group level for more than 30 years.

He was instrumental in developing and leading the Cranbourne group of fire brigades in the 1980s and continues to be at the forefront of change.

His Queen’s Birthday citation praised his leadership qualities and ability to think and operate strategically in an emergency.

Mr Clay is a founding member of the Casey group and was congratulated on his outstanding contribution to the CFA and the community.