A memorial service put on by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) last week (14 May) honoured the courage and sacrifice of those personnel who died in the line of duty.
Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA), Georgeina Whelan said the service was a tribute to the 578 families who’d lost a loved one and was a time for the community to pay their respects to the Territory’s emergency services personnel.
“The event marked the first opportunity for our communities since the Black Summer fires to gather at the memorial and pay their respects for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“We remember the devastating losses of six Australian firefighters and three American aerial firefighters during the 2019-20 Black Summer fires,” she said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the service was a reminder of emergency services’ critical role and their commitment to keeping Canberra communities safe.
“This memorial service recognises the sacrifices emergency personnel make when protecting life, property and the environment,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Our emergency service personnel risk their lives to protect our communities knowing the dangers involved,” he said.
“This is the first AFAC memorial since the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire season and we’re acknowledging the six Australian firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Mr Gentleman said an additional 12 names had been engraved on the Memorial Wall from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry SA and the NT Fire and Rescue Service.
He said the annual National Emergency Services Memorial honoured the commitment and sacrifice of fire and emergency services personnel from Australia and New Zealand who died in the line of duty.
The Minister said an AFAC Memorial Medallion was presented to each family of the 12 fire and emergency services personnel who were commemorated during this year’s event.
