Change of guard at VFRS

A changing of the guard has taken place at the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, with Mark Ellison officially handing over the captaincy to Lieutenant Craig Watts at the annual dinner at the weekend.

The dinner was also a chance to thank wives and families for supporting the volunteer firefighters and looking after the children during major bushfires.

Mr Ellison is looking forward to seeing what the next year brings.

"I am happy to be stepping out of the role and spending some time camping with my young family," he said.

"I will still be a big part of the brigade and still show up on a regular basis to help out the younger crew.

"All the challenges and new friends I have made over the last year have been a big highlight for me."

Stepping into the role is Craig Watts, who has been lieutenant for three of the five years he has been with the crew.

"Mark has left a fantastic legacy within the brigade, so I will just be maintaining the professionalism, response times and service to the community," Mr Watts said.