Thirty-six members of the ACT’s emergency service personnel have been recognised for their dedication in keeping the Canberra community safe.
The recipients were presented with the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medal.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the ceremony was an opportunity to remember first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Today we honour Senior Firefighter David Balfour (415) who was killed in the line of duty helping the citizens of Victoria during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires,” Mr Gentleman said.
“I thank the Balfour family for accepting the National Medal and allowing the firefighting community to honour David’s legacy.”
He said this is the first time the medal had been awarded posthumously and Mr Balfour would be remembered forever for his commitment to protecting the community as a firefighter.
Mr Gentleman said the National Medal recognised the long service and dedication of the people who have served with ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Rural Fire Service or ACT State Emergency Service.
He said the ESA Long Services Medal acknowledged the long service and dedication of staff and volunteers in the ACT Emergency Services Agency who served the community during crises.
ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medal recognised the sacrifice emergency personnel played in the protection of the community’s life, property, and the environment.
“The awards recipients have gone above and beyond in their chosen fields and Canberra is lucky to have people of this calibre making a difference in our community,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“Today we also thank the families, friends and employers of our medal recipients, we understand that behind our personnel is a whole team of people supporting them.
