Career firefighter recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

Published: 9th June 2009

NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Chief Superintendent Robert Murray received the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours announced yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Murray, who will be the new Area Commander for the Newcastle and Hunter region, was one of five NSWFB officers awarded the AFSM yesterday, one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive.

NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said that since joining the NSWFB in 1981, Chief Superintendent Murray had been instrumental in the improvement of the NSWFB, particularly through the use of information technology to improve efficiency.

"Chief Superintendent Murray has displayed outstanding professionalism throughout his 28-year career in the NSWFB.

"As the Assistant Director of Information Technology he was responsible for a number of achievements in the field of information technology including the introduction of electronic timesheets for firefighters and the development of electronic pre-incident plans, which will contribute to the advancement of both the NSWFB and other emergency services across Australasia."

Commissioner Mullins said Chief Superintendent Murray’s leadership and commitment was valued by the organisation.

"Chief Superintendent Murray’s skills in both the area of information technology and in emergency management are well-respected within the organisation. He will shortly return to an operational role as an Area Commander and I am confident his skills and expertise will be a great asset the NSWFB team in the Newcastle/Hunter region.

"He is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award and I congratulate him and thank him for his dedication and commitment to the NSWFB," Commissioner Mullins said.