Emergency services honoured on Queen's Birthday

Published: 14th June 2010

Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today congratulated the 11 New South Wales recipients of emergency services awards, announced in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Mr Whan said six members of the NSW Rural Fire Service and five members of the NSW Fire Brigades had been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).

"On behalf of the Keneally Government and the NSW community, I congratulate the recipients of these very well-deserved awards," he said.

"These honours are an opportunity for the nation to acknowledge the distinguished service and commitment of the members of our emergency services, who are held in such high esteem by the community.

"These Medals are recognition of the enormous contribution each of these individuals has made to the protection of the New South Wales community.

 "Whether they are volunteers or paid officers, they have all shown a tireless commitment to protecting and assisting the people of this State during fires and other emergencies.

"None of our emergency services personnel take on their roles for public recognition but these Medals represent the community’s gratitude for their vital work, often in terrible conditions and at some risk to their own safety.

"They also sacrifice time with their families to spend hours training, supporting community events and carrying out education campaigns.

"On behalf of all the people of NSW, I extend my congratulations to all the recipients."