August 22, 2014
Inspector Mark Long, from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service in Kingaroy, was among hundreds of firefighters honoured by Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey during a ceremony in Maryborough today.
The Minister recognised 262 QFES staff and volunteers for their courageous work after Cyclone Oswald struck Queensland in January 2013.
Unit commendations were also presented to numerous urban and rural fire units including Brooklands, Coverty, East Nanango, Goomeri, Kingaroy, Maidenwell, Mondure, Murgon, Stuart River, Tablelands, Taromeo and The Palms.
The prestigious QFES Commissioner’s Medal for Valour was presented to four North Coast firefighters: Station Officer Grant Feeney (Gympie), Senior Firefighter Denis Donadel (Maroochydore), Senior Firefighter Matthew Foster (Maroochydore) and Senior Firefighter Tony Wildman (Gympie) – for a fearless rescue mission.
“On the morning of Sunday, January 27, 2013, these brave men entered the swollen waters of the Widgee Creek on numerous occasions to rescue two civilians and to attempt the rescue of a third,” Minister Dempsey said.
“Despite the treacherous and life-threatening conditions, they placed their lives in danger, disregarding their own safety to save others.”
