Forty one members of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) have been recognised with National Medals and clasps for their long and diligent service to the community.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the National Medal acknowledged the long service and dedication of those who volunteered with, or were an employee of the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Rural Fire Service or the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES).
“Each member who will receive the National Medal has served for at least 15 years,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Clasps were also presented to members for each additional 10 years of service,” he said.
Mr Gentleman said one of the members recognised for dedication to protecting the community was Operations Capability Coordinator and Deputy Chief Officer of ACTSES, Graham Ible.
“While serving in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years, Graham volunteered with the local State Emergency Service (SES) wherever he was deployed,” the Minister said.
“His first involvement began in May 1982, when he joined the South Australian SES.”
He said Mr Graham since volunteered with New South Wales SES and ACTSES and became a permanent employee with ACTSES in 2003.
“He has committed an outstanding 13,279 days to serving his community and says it’s the teamwork, community and culture that matters, not the medals or the pay.”
Mr Gentleman said Mr Graham was also awarded the Emergency Services Medal in 2007 and recently received the National Emergency Medal in recognition of his significant service during the December 2010 to January 2011 Queensland floods and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
The full list of medals and clasps recipients can be accessed at this PS News link.
