Firies Honoured For Their Service

Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan, left, and North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack, right, presented former Inspector Archie Andrews, centre, with the Commissioner’s Service Plaque … Archie officially retired from the QFES on January 20 this year

March 24, 2023

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan travelled to Kingaroy on Thursday to present awards to firefighters from across the South Burnett.

Awards presented included National Medals, Diligent & Ethical Service Clasps, QFES Medals and four Emergency Medals from the Australian Capital Territory government for firies who assisted during their 2019-20 bushfire crisis.

Minister Ryan said he was acknowledging some “extraordinary” Queenslanders.

“You’re a credit to yourself, to your family, to your service and to your community,” he said.

A special award was presented to former Inspector Archie Andrews, who officially retired in January.

Insp Andrews’ last post in his long career was QFES Area Commander (Kingaroy Command).

Minister Ryan and Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack presented Insp Andrews with the Commissioner’s Service Plaque to thank him for his years of service with the QFES.

Another Commissioner’s Service Plaque was set aside for Kumbia fire station’s Captain Glen Unverzagt, who unfortunately could not make the awards ceremony.

Minister Ryan also formally handed over two new trucks to the Kingaroy fire station, worth in total about $845,000 (see below).

Senior QFES officers with the Type 2 Compressed Air Foam System truck which was officially handed over to Kingaroy Station on Thursday

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Full List Of Award Recipients

Commissioner’s Certificate Of Appreciation

Archie Andrews
Glen Unverzagt

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National Medal & Clasps

Ricky Allen – National Medal and 1st Clasp
Raymond Dionysius – National Medal and 1st and 2nd Clasps
Brett Holznagel – 1st Clasp
Stephen Copas – 1st Clasp
Shane Kratzmann – 1st Clasp
Colin Jenkins – 2nd Clasp

National Medal & Clasp recipients, from left, Firefighter Shane Kratzmann, Lieutenant Steve Copas, Firefighter Ricky Allen and Firefighter Raymond Dionysius

The National Medal was instituted in 1975. It is awarded to people who have rendered 15 years’ diligent service in emergency services. A clasp may be awarded after completion of every additional 10 years of service.

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QFES Diligent & Ethical Service Medal Clasps

Russell Hood – 1st Clasp
Leonard Wilson – 1st Clasp
Michael Armstrong – 1st Clasp
Roderick Obel – 2nd Clasp
David Duff – 2nd Clasp

Diligent & Ethical Service Medal Clasp recipients, from left, Lieutenant Michael Armstrong, Captain Russell Hood and Captain Roderick Obel

The QFES Diligent & Ethical Service Medal was instituted by the QFES Commissioner to recognise and encourage diligent and ethical service. A clasp may be awarded upon completion of every 10 years of qualifying service.