August 10, 2021
More than 40 South Burnett firefighters from rural and urban brigades were presented with medals in a ceremony in Kingaroy recently.
The presentations, at the Kingaroy Town Common Hall, coincided with Rural Fire Services Week.
Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton, representing Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan, presented the medals as well as commissioning two new rural firetrucks.
Stuart River RFB received a new vehicle, and Gordonbrook RFB – which previously only had slip-on and trailer units – received a refurbished truck.
QFES Medals, which recognise a “demonstrated commitment to ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period” were presented to 18 firefighters from Brooklands, Maidenwell, McEuen and Malar-Booie rural brigades and Wondai Fire Station.
Clasps to the medals were presented to another 10 rural firefighters, including Greg Hunter, from South Nanango RFB, who was presented with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th clasps.
2nd Clasps to the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal were presented to McEuen brigade members Russell Dower, Ken Guse, Robyn Zelinski and Andrew Hopkins.
Taromeo RFB’s Scott Barry was presented with the National Emergency Medal for his service during Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017.
Five firefighters were also presented with the National Medal.
This medal was created by the Australian Honours and Awards Directorate to recognise long and diligent service with government and voluntary organisations whose members risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
Stuart River RFB 1st officer and Rural Fire Support Officer Mark Beil and chairperson and senior firefighter Melissa Beil were each presented with the National Medal, along with Maidenwell RFB crew leader Richard Don; and auxiliary firefighters Damien Cornell and Kyal Dennis (Murgon).
Acting Area Commander Matthew Swainson (Kingaroy Area Command) and Auxiliary Lieutenant and Area Training and Support Officer Steve Roberts (RFS Burnett Area Office) were presented with the 1st Clasp to the National Medal.
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