South Australian Country Fire Service Promotions Unit

Raising awareness of the roles, training and activities of CFS Volunteers state-wide


Jim Sandford - AFSM
Submitted On	Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Submitted By	Pip

Congratulations Gordon James Sandford (Jim) on being awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) announced in the 2025 Kings Birthday Honours list. Mr Sandford has served the Tea Tree Gully Emergency Fire Service and the Country Fire Service (CFS) since 1967, driven by a deep commitment to protecting his community. Over nearly five decades, Mr Sandford has held several senior leadership roles, including senior firefighter, lieutenant, captain, group captain, and as the inaugural group officer of the Para CFS group in 1989. Mr Sandfords career is defined by his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and innovative contributions to firefighting and bushfire investigation. A notable achievement was his leadership during the aftermath of the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, where he led the replacement of a fire truck lost in the blaze. The decision to choose the RFW (Robert Whitehead) truck, a groundbreaking design at the time, was controversial but ultimately proven to be visionary. The vehicle became a critical asset, remaining in service for 25 years and setting a new standard for firefighting vehicles. Mr Sandford has also significantly advanced fire investigation within the CFS. After completing training in bushfire fire investigation, he became an endorsed fire investigator in 2015. He has led investigations across multiple regions, some resulting in criminal charges, and has mentored future investigators, raising standards in the field. Mr Sandford was also part of the Level 3 Incident Management Teams for nearly 10 years, having taken part in the management of several major fires during that time across South Australia and including the Black Saturday fire in Victoria in 2006. Mr Sandfords dedication extends beyond his operational roles. He has been a long-serving member of the CFS Volunteers Association, advocating for the needs of volunteers in key projects. Mr Sandford played a crucial role in ensuring volunteer needs were considered in the development of systems like the SA Computer Aided Dispatch System and in the selection of new communication radios. Mr Sandford is also involved with training the cadets at Tea Tree Gully and has great pride in watching them grow and mature into firefighters and leaders of future. His leadership in these areas has greatly enhanced the safety and efficiency of CFS volunteers. Mr Sandford’s near five-decade career is marked by outstanding technical and operational contributions, leadership, and a deep commitment to volunteer welfare.

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