Southport Fire and Rescue Station Medal and New Vehicle Presentation
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 12 2008
2008 >>

Acknowledgements:

Peter Beauchamp Assistant Commissioner SER QFRS

Stephen Hollands Chief Superintendent QPS

John Teseriao Area Director QAS

Les Shaw Chaplain QFRS

Ladies and Gentlemen

Suggested speaking points:

I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where we are now meeting.

I’m delighted to be here today on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts.

I would like to start by acknowledging the dedication and professionalism of our Gold Coast’s firefighters, who often risk their lives to assist the community.

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.

Today I have the pleasure of handing over a new vehicle to both the Southport and Helensvale brigades, as well as presenting a number of awards for long service and diligent and ethical service to several firefighters.

To begin today’s official proceedings; I would like to formally hand over a new vehicle to Southport Station. Today, the station is receiving a $530,000 type three appliance based on a Mercedes Atego crew cab chassis. It is fitted with a Rosenbauer pump capable of pumping 3500 litres of water per minute, and is equipped with more $45,000 worth of road rescue equipment.

This will provide a boost to the Southport Station’s current fleet of four vehicles, providing the station’s 32 staff members with a greater capacity to serve the community in times of emergency.

Last financial year, Southport based firefighters responded to 1948 incidents, including motor vehicle crashes and grass and structural fires.

A new vehicle will also enhance the operations of the Helensvale Fire Station – which is staffed by 16 people. The $600, 000 Scania Type 4 appliance is fully equipped with the latest firefighting and road crash rescue equipment, and is capable of pumping 4500 litres of water per minute. Last financial year, Helensvale firefighters attended 745 incidents, and have already been to a total of 319 callouts this year.

It’s now my pleasure to officially commission these new vehicles to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

Medal Presentation:

Another reason I am here today is to present service medals to several firefighters who have each served their communities through the fire service for more than 15 years. While not all of today’s medal recipients could be here this morning, it’s a great pleasure to recognise these key community figures and they will receive their medals shortly.

I’m always pleased to have the opportunity to say a special thanks to people who have made an extremely valuable contribution to their community over many years.

The people I have the pleasure of presenting medals to today have helped see this service provided to the community even through the tough times.

The National Medal presentations recognise long service and the efforts of staff who dedicate themselves to protecting life and property in their community, at some risk to themselves. Recipients are entitled to the National Medal after 15 years of meritorious service. Clasps are awarded for each additional 10 year period that personnel dedicate to the service.

It is now my pleasure to present a National Medal to the following recipients:
- Marcus Barett
- Mark John Faulkner

And for 25 years service, Philip Tunbridge is awarded the first clasp for his National Medal.

For an outstanding 35 years of service, Graham Flack is awarded the second clasp for his National Medal, while John William Cheesewright, is also worthy of recognition today for also accruing 35 years in the QFRS before retiring.

Today, I also have the pleasure of awarding the QFRS Diligent and Ethical Service Medal to six firefighters.

This Medal is instituted by the Commissioner to recognise and encourage diligent and ethical service. It may be 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 of this medal are:
- Peter Ryan
- Douglas Connolly
- Allan Williams
While unfortunately unable to make today’s presentation, the following retired station officers have also been awarded the QFRS Diligent and Ethical Service Medal:
- John William Cheesewright
- Barry Francis Bennett
- Bruce Hockey

Today, I would also like to present Karl Nihot with his Station Officer Pips.

• Congratulations to today’s medal recipients and I look forward to hearing about the vehicles presented today being put to good use in the future to help the community.

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