Sunshine Coast Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) personnel were recognised for their dedicated commitment to the community today (16th October 2012)
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey presented 33 serving and three retired officers with National Medals and First and Second Clasps at the Maroochydore Fire Station.
“The collective knowledge, expertise and experience of fire officers at today’s ceremony is truly something to be in awe of,” Mr Dempsey said.
“The dedication these men and women have demonstrated over many years need not only be recognised but also celebrated.
“Their professional conduct is second to none and I believe this is why the community continually votes firefighters one of the country’s most trusted professions.”
Mr Dempsey presented First and Second Clasps, for personnel who had served for more than 25 and 35 years in QFRS. Recipients were entitled to the National Medal after 15 years of service.
QFRS North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner John Watson said the presentation was a reflection of the high level of expertise within the region.
“Personnel can be called upon at any time of the day or night to attend structural and grass fires, road traffic crashes, hazardous material spills and rescue related incidents,” Assistant Commissioner Watson said.
“It’s reassuring for the local community to know that firefighters responding to these incidents are not only very highly trained but have vast experience to draw on when they work in the field.”
Recipients of the National Medals and First and Second Clasps were from the Noosa, Caloundra, Maroochydore, Gympie, Maleny, Cooroy, Kawana and Nambour fire stations and the QFRS North Coast Communications Centre.