New Fire Trucks for the Gold Coast and Medal Presentation
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 12 2008
2008 >>

The Queensland Government has handed over the keys of two state-of-the-art fire appliances for the Southport and Helensvale stations.

The $530,000 type three appliance for Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s Southport is capable of pumping 3,500 litres of water per minute, and is equipped with $45,000 worth of road crash equipment.

The vehicle will provide a boost to the station’s current fleet of four.

Helensvale has received a $600,000 Scania type 4 appliance, which is also fully equipped with the latest fire-fighting and road crash rescue equipment, and is capable of pumping 4500 litres of water per minute.

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the vehicles mean fire fighters will have a greater capacity to serve the community in times of emergency.

“This is an important occasion because it demonstrates the commitment of the Queensland Government to ensuring that top class emergency service facilities are available for the people of Queensland,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the vehicles are in response to the growing Gold Coast population.

“$13.4 million will be spent this financial year on 30 new or replacement urban fire and rescue appliances to meet enhanced service delivery,” he said.

Twelve medals will also be presented to firefighters, to acknowledge their service to the community.

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said recipients are entitled to the National Medals after 15 years of service, and clasps are awarded for each additional 10 year period that personnel dedicate to the service.

“The presentations recognise the long service and the efforts of staff who dedicate themselves to protecting life and property in their community,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts congratulated the hardworking firies.

“These people have often put their lives on the line, and deserve our heartfelt thanks,” he said.

The recipients are:

National Medal Recipients – 15 years Service
• Marcus Barrett – Station Officer
• Mark John Faulkner – Senior Firefighter

1st Clasp Recipients – 25 years Service
• Phillip Tunbridge – Station Officer

2nd Clasp Recipients – 35 years Service
• John William Cheesewright – Retired Station Officer
• Graham Flack – Retired Senior Firefighter

Six Diligent and Ethical Service Medals are also being presented. This medal is awarded to a member or former member who has accrued thirty years qualifying service continuously as an employee or volunteer of the QFRS and is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a fit and proper person to receive the medal.

The recipients are:

• Peter Ryan – Superintendent North East Command
• Douglas Connolly – Station Officer
• Allan Williams – Retired Station Officer
• John William Cheesewright – Retired Station Officer
• Barry Francis Bennett – Retired Station Officer
• Bruce Hockey – Retired Station Officer

One officer has also received his Station Officer Pips:

• Karl Nihot – Station Officer

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