Medals and new fire truck for Rockhampton emergency services personnel

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell today paid tribute to firefighters and State Emergency Services volunteers in the Rockhampton region for their commitment to their local communities.

In a ceremony at the Rockhampton fire station, Mr Purcell presented emergency services personnel with National Medals, Clasps to the National Medal, and SES Meritorious Service Medals. A list of recipients is below.

At the ceremony, Mr Purcell also officially commissioned a new fire truck for the Rockhampton fire station. The new Mercedes-Benz truck is valued at about $650,000, which includes about $150,000 of new equipment.

Mr Purcell said the truck would be a great addition to firefighters in the region.

“Firefighters have a vital role in the community, protecting lives and property and rescuing people at the scene of motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies, and performing other specialist tasks.”

The Member for Rockhampton, Robert Schwarten, sent his congratulations on the new equipment and medals presentation.

“It is important that firefighters have the right equipment,” Mr Schwarten said. “This fire truck and new equipment will help firefighters to continue doing the great work they do each day.”

Mr Purcell and Mr Schwarten both congratulated the medal recipients on their awards. The firefighters receiving medals have contributed more than 275 years of service, and the SES volunteers have given more than 340 years of service.

“These are marvellous achievements, and I would like to thank all the recipients for their ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Queenslanders, Mr Purcell said. “The combined experience of people like these is something that cannot be replaced, and their commitment and efforts thoroughly deserve recognition.”

“I would also like to thank the families of staff and volunteers for their great support. It is the support of families that allows emergency services personnel to go out and do their great work,” Mr Purcell concluded.

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.

Medal recipients

The National Medal recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. Recipients are entitled to the National Medal after 15 years of service and a Clasp is awarded to a National Medal after the completion of each additional 10 years of service.

SES Meritorious Service Medals are awarded after 10 years of service in the SES. Clasps to the medal are awarded for each five years of service thereafter.

State Emergency Service

Lyle Dobbs (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 30 years service)

Linda Frawley (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 30 years service)

Margaret Hunt (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 25 years service)

Gary Olive (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 25 years service)

Bradley (Brad) Lutton (1^st Clasp to National Medal and SES Meritorious Service Medal – 25 years service)

Michael (Mick) Fleming (1^st Clasp to National Medal – 25 years service)

Kenneth Morrison (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 20 years service)

James (Jim) Murray (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 20 years service)

Randall Borg (National Medal – 15 years service)

Elizabeth (Liz) Meyers (National Medal and SES Meritorious Service Medal – 15 years service)

Rosemary Morrison (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 15 years service)

Thomas Newton (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 15 years service)

Mark Collins (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Margaret Dobbs (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Barry Hamilton (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Janelle Murray (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Michael Noonan (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Andrew Peut (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Bradley Raatz (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Warren Souter (SES Meritorious Service Medal – 10 years service)

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS)

Area Director Russell Hamilton Mair – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the Royal Australian Navy (22/11/1968 to 07/04/1973 and QFRS (15/10/1973 to present).

Area Director Alan Albert Titman (AFSM) – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Station Officer Trevor Douglas Kidd – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Station Officer Lee William Schneider – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Senior Firefighter Ray Gregory Neilsen – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Firefighter Anthony Mitchell – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Firefighter Kevin Reginald Swales – Second Clasp for 35 years service with the QFRS

Station Officer Noel John King – National Medal for 15 years service with the QFRS

Firefighter Patrick John Maloney – National Medal for 15 years service with the QFRS