More than 200 Emergency Services personnel have been honoured at an awards ceremony in Perth.
Among them was Station Officer Jeffrey Patience, the longest-serving firefighter to receive the Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal, having begun his firefighting career in 1975.
This year’s awards included three Third Clasps for National Medals, two 40-year Diligent Service Medal Clasps and 70 medals for 25 years of service.
A total of 379 awards were issued to 235 recipients, acknowledging their commitment to community safety over a minimum of 10 years.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the National Medal, which recognises long service of people who protect life and property; and the Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal, bestowed upon career firefighters and corporate staff within the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
The National Medal is administered as part of the Australian Honours and Awards system, while the Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal is administered by the DFES.
They are awarded after 15 and 10 years respectively, with clasps added for additional years of service.
Minister for Emergency Services, Francis Logan said a career in Emergency Services required compassion and self-sacrifice.
“It can be extremely demanding, which is why we come together every year to honour those who have reached significant milestones,” Mr Logan said.
“It’s incredibly valuable to have long-serving staff who can pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of Emergency Service personnel.”
