Emergency Services honours young hero

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell today presented a Young Hero award to 12-year-old Jack Joseland for his heroic efforts in getting help after a car accident.

In a ceremony at the Longreach fire station, Mr Purcell presented Jack with a Queensland Ambulance Service Star Care Award as the 2006 Young Hero of the Year.

Also at the ceremony, Mr Purcell presented a new fire truck to the Longreach fire brigade, and presented certificates and medals to firefighters and State Emergency Service volunteers. [A list of recipients is below].

In July last year, Jack was involved in a car accident with his teacher, about 100km south-west of Longreach, in an isolated area with very little passing traffic.

Jack’s teacher was critically injured, and needed urgent help. Although Jack had cuts and bruises and was suffering from shock, he set off running to the nearest homestead, which was about four kilometres away.

By the time he reached there he was emotionally stressed and physically exhausted. Paramedics who later attended the incident said they believed that Jack’s actions in getting help as quickly as possible saved his teacher’s life.

Mr Purcell said Jack was a very worthy recipient of the Young Hero of the Year award.

“Jack’s actions in travelling a long distance to raise the alarm ensured emergency services personnel were able to reach the scene of the accident. Without his actions, the situation could have been much worse.

“I commend Jack for his heroic efforts. The maturity and determination he displayed was nothing short of exceptional,” Mr Purcell said.

The new fire truck is worth about $320 000, and is fully equipped with the latest firefighting and road accident rescue equipment.

“The Beattie Government is committed to providing Queensland’s emergency services personnel with the best equipment possible. I’m sure the new fire truck will prove to be a great addition to the Longreach station.”

Mr Purcell presented four firefighters with Clasps to the National Medal, in recognition of their long and distinguished service, and presented SES Week Certificates to three SES volunteers for their dedication to their local community.

Each of the firefighters and SES volunteers have given a tremendous commitment to their local community.

“It is vitally important that people who give long and faithful service to looking after the safety and wellbeing of other Queenslanders receive recognition for their efforts.

Mr Purcell also thanked the families of emergency services personnel, and their colleagues and employers.

“The commitment of the State’s emergency services personnel can put a burden on family life, but the support of families helps them continue to serve the community with such distinction. In addition, employers and colleagues often make allowance for employees who head out to an emergency.”

Medal and certificate 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 each additional 10 years of service.

SES Week Certificates are awarded in appreciation of dedication and commitment to the SES and the community. The Certificates presented by Mr Purcell were awarded in the 2006 SES Week.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service:

· Lieutenant Robert Gerard Carr, Longreach Fire Station – First Clasp to the National Medal for 25 years service.

· Auxiliary Firefighter Gary Charles Williamson, Longreach Fire Station – First Clasp to the National Medal for 25 years service.

· Lieutenant Ian David McFarlane Murray, Blackall Fire Station – First Clasp to the National Medal for 25 years service.

· Area Director Norman Stephen Pearce, QFRS Longreach Area – Second Clasp to the National Medal for 35 years service.

State Emergency Service:

· Christopher Rumsey, Longreach SES Group.

· Wayne Dendle, Blackall SES Group.

· Tania Cain, Jundah SES Group.

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