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).
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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
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
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.
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QFES Medal
- Joshua Mangan
- Ryan Hall
- Andrew Fennell
- Luke Ogden
- Ian Wieden
The QFES Medal replaces the previous Diligent & Ethical Service Medal, effective from July 1, 2016.
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ACT Emergency Medal – 2019-20 Bushfire & Storm Season
- Joshua Mangan
- Dion Flavel
- Kyal Dennis
- Jesse Barnes
The ACT Emergency Medal was a thank you from the ACT Government for special service during the bushfire emergency.
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At The Awards
Proud family members and friends – as well as representatives from other emergency services – turned out in force for the awards ceremony.
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New Appliances
Congratulations to all recipients. A fine and worthy commitment to community.
Thanks Archie hope you enjoyed your time here.