Mrs Mickan, 54, has dedicated countless hours to the organisation over the past three decades and is the second female CFS volunteer to receive the medal, according to the CFS Fire Service Volunteers Association.

The medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service, and will be presented to Mrs Mickan in either April or May.

Mrs Mickan said she was honoured to be a recipient and had received congratulatory letters from the Premier and Governor of South Australia.

“It’s quite a big thing for a volunteer ... I’ve had a number of phone calls from people who have been very supportive,” Mrs Mickan said.

“I’ve had excellent feedback from people and my family.”

Mrs Mickan is currently the deputy group officer and group equipment and purchasing officer with the Coorong CFS Group.

Over the years her roles have included brigade communications officer, group communications officer, and she also serves on the chief officers advisory council, Region 3 regional volunteer management committee and the group and regional finance committees.

Mrs Mickan also instructs the BFF1 (Basic Fire Fighting) course, where she loves to welcome new volunteers to the “CFS family”.

Over the years she has seen changes within the organisation, including a major change after Ash Wednesday in 1983, where standardised appliances were introduced.

She said the change meant all appliances were brought up to a standard level, which helped some brigades who previously did not have the financial ability to run newer appliances.

CFS Fire Service Volunteers Association executive director Wendy Shirley said between three and five volunteers received the Australian Fire Service Medal each year, and the association was pleased to see Mrs Mickan receive the award.